Natural Awakenings Washington DC September 2014 by Natural Awakenings DC

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YOGA

Kind-to-Yourself Caregiving YOGA IN D.C.

FOR KIDS BEE HIVES in the City DEPRESSION lessons learned from recent loss

September 2014 | Washington, D.C. | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com natural awakenings

September 2014

Your Path to Healing Starts Here a n i n t e g r at i v e a p p r o a c h t o yo u r h e a lt h GeorGe WashinGton Center for inteGrative MediCine offers you a unique health care program principled in science and tradition where the patient is treated as a whole person and respected as an individual. With your visit to the Center, a highly-trained practitioner—licensed, certified and credentialed in his or her specialty—will develop with you a care plan tailored to fit your needs and honors your personal healing process. natural & inteGrative health ChoiCes W e prov i de C a r e f o r …

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this Month’s featured providers Marianna ledenaC, nd – adult and pediatric naturopathy, Weight loss

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September 2014

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September 2014

letterfrompublisher Dear Readers, contact us Publisher, Editor in Chief Robin Fillmore Contributing Editors Grace Ogden Jessica Bradshaw Terri Carr Design & Production Irene Sankey Regional Coordinators Beverly Nickerson Cecelia Gordian Outreach Director Samantha Hudgins Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 5230 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsDC.com.

I am not sure where the summer went, but looking back, it was a full and fun-filled three months of family, friends and travel. I hope each of you had a joy-filled summer. Even though I have no young ones at home to prepare for the first day of school, sporting new shoes, a special “first day” outfit and a new backpack filled with school supplies, adjusting my own internal calendar includes some of those “first day” practices—preparing my mind and spirit for the learning I hope to gain in the months ahead and opening to possibilities of growth for me and my family. Thinking about the start of a “new year” leads me to consider that another year has ticked past. As a student, the time was marked off by “year” in school —moving from kindergartener and up through the grades. The passage of time in those early years of life helps to define where each of us was in our stages of growth. As adults, the opportunity to move ahead from year to year isn’t as neatly defined. Rather, our socially constructed notions of millennials, Gen-Xers, baby boomers or seniors, provide a general concept of our “grade” but does little to help define our next steps in this progression. This is on my mind as I consider the feature article this month on Conscious Caregiving. This is a serious issue for a growing number of men and women, that are now labeled as the “sandwich generation,” taking care of children at home and aging parents who increasingly need more assistance at home or in an assistedliving facility. I encourage you to glean the thoughtful, practical advice shared this month, which focuses on the care for the caregiver. September is also our Yoga Special Edition. It is clear to see the impact that yoga has on the D.C. culture just by noticing the increasing number of metro riders with yoga mats slung over their shoulders and sporting the glow after stepping out of class. Our goal in providing a special edition is to help share resources to the community in the hopes that our readers will give yoga a try if they haven’t yet embraced this mind-body practice. The Washington D.C. region is full to overflowing of amazing yoga studios with a wide variety of traditions and styles. Yoga not only provides a wonderful opportunity to challenge your body, it also provides healing for those who suffer from grief, who have physical disabilities, and those who seek to change their eating regime. It is good for children and families. Everyone can do it and everyone should, in my humble opinion. September is a time for firsts, so if you haven’t yet checked out your neighborhood yoga studio—this may be the time to give it a try. Hope your first days of fall give you the inspiration for a new season of learning, love and possibility. Peace,

Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based ink on uncoated stock, avoiding the toxic chemicals and huge energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is harder to recycle.

neverglossy.alwaysgreen 6

Washington, D.C.

Robin Fillmore, Publisher

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

contents

8 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs 17 globalbriefs 19 business spotlight

28 eventspotlight 30 firstperson 35 actionalert 38 leadingedge 42 community spotlight

practitioner 17 44 spotlight 46 inspiration 48 calendar 53 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

20 CONSCIOUS CAREGIVING Nurture Yourself While Helping Another by Deborah Shouse

23 CULINARY HERBS

Providing Spice and Health

by Eleonora Gafton

24 DEPRESSION

We Can Learn from Robin Williams by Dr. Chas Gant, M.D.

26 HIVES IN THE CITY The Benefits of Local Bees and Their Honey

by Alison Gillespie

28 PROUD TO BE VEGAN Sharon Gannon in D.C.

by Terri Carr

32 KAMINI DESAI

EXPLORES A YOGIC LIFE HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery by Linda Sechrist

34 SAY YES TO YOGA

It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality by Lynda Bassett

36 YOGA AND GRIEF It Can Get You Through the Worst of Times

by Yael Flusberg

40 KIDS AND FAMILY YOGA IN D.C.

Nutrition for Body and Mind

by Grace Ogden

46 YOUR PATH TO

DESTINY

Its Your Choice — Accept or Chose To Shape Your Fate by HawaH

natural awakenings

September 2014

newsbriefs Shining Shakti Yoga Clothes Partners With Local Sundog Productions

s of August 1, all manufacturing, from patterns to sewing, to dyeing and fulfillment now takes place under one roof at Sundog Productions, a 40,000-square-foot, one-stop-shop in Fairfax for environmentally conscious textile manufacturing. One of the few manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Sundog uses solar-heated water, geothermal exchanges and recycled lighting fixtures to reduce its impact on the environment. The partnership of these two companies means that once the fabric reaches Sundog, it stays there until it ships to the customer. Readers can feel great that when they place an order with Shining Shakti—the shipment travels a minimal distance, dramatically reducing the environmental impact while contributing to the local economy. D.C. area native Rachel Richardson created Shining Shakti with the vision to design vibrant clothes for the active, stylish woman who is conscious of her impact on Earth. Using only Earth-friendly fabrics and hand dyeing each garment, Shining Shakti intends to produce a wearable piece of art that will inspire women to be bright and beautiful. “Shining Shakti yoga clothes are designed to work with your lifestyle. These days, we’re wearing our activewear all day, sometimes into the evening. Women can easily transition these clothes from studio or gym to errands, dinner and a rock concert, all while maintaining effortless comfort and style,” Richardson explains. Richardson started dyeing Shining Shakti yoga pants on the floor of her San Francisco apartment. When it quickly became too much for her to do alone, Richardson outsourced the work to Sundog. Six years later, the two companies are excited to team up and help grow Shining Shakti to new heights, while increasing sustainability and supporting the local community. Location: 3850 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax. Clothing can be purchased online, both retail and wholesale at ShiningShakti.com. See ad, page 31.

Depression? Anxiety? Fatigue? Moody? It’s probably not what you think it is. Functional Medicine offers Solutions for Depression & other Mood Disorders Individualized, state-of-the-art immunological, endocrine, allergic, metabolic, nutritional, functional and genetic testing to identify and correct the unique, root causes of your condition. Dr. Chas Gant, MD, PhD has practiced functional, holistic and integrative medicine and psychotherapy for over 35 years. He has helped thousands of patients of all ages with science based treatments recover from many chronic medical and psychiatric disorders.

Call Now for an Appointment - 202-237-7000 ext.104

Dr. Chas Gant, MD, PhD National Integrated Health Associates

5225 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 402 DrChasMD.com

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Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

A Healthy Clean Home? Spark Weekend 2014 Washington D.C.’s First Lifehacking Conference

hat happens when science and technology crash into the traditional “self-help” world? Sparks fly. Spark Weekend 2014, happening September 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., features high-impact talks, experiential workshops and the latest in lifestyle change technologies, revolving around the themes of mind, body and sleep. In the mornings, participants will learn techniques to optimize sleep, mind and body from leading experts. In the afternoons, there will be time to integrate these changes into their life. If successful with their goals after 30 days, Spark pays the participant cash back. It’s a chance to play with emerging technology, eat delicious organic food and build community with like-minded folks. The event is for anyone that ever felt there isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish their goals. It’s based on the latest scientific research and integrates technological devices and mobile applications to encourage effective lifestyle change. Self Spark’s founder, James Norris, started lifehacking at the age of 16. “We want to encourage a lifehacking culture in D.C. and shake up the personal growth industry by doing something really unique,” he says. Experts challenge participants to measurably change their lives. Participants can receive ongoing support over the coming year through coaching sessions and open source tools. Outcome data showing the success or failure of participants to change will be published, as well as a list of the most effective experts in encouraging change. Location: 1776, a bustling co-working space downtown. Information can be found at DC.SparkWeekend.com. See ad, page 38.

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Health Educator Certified by the Hippocrates Health Institute, Luzy Perez provides healing support through classes and private consultations to those facing mild, severe or chronic health challenges and all who want to improve their diets and lifestyle.

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Achieve your true purpose & path in life

Refocus Positive Behavioral Change Consultant Increase Self awareness for lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul.

John Mays, M.Ed, C.HT

Licensed Psychology Teacher Special Education Teacher Behavior Modification Specialist • Life Coach • Health/Fitness Coach • Educational Consultant • Spiritual & Self Awareness • Child/Teen Behavioral Intervention Owner of Fitness Together Chantilly, John has more than 20 years of experience in education, personal training and human service. Certified Hypnotherapist and Trainer, Post Grad Licensed Special Education Teacher, Certified Master Personal Trainer (NSCA, NCSF).

3914 Centreville Road, Chantilly 571-227-1292 info@midliferefocus.com • midliferefocus.com

newsbriefs New Healing and Education Center In Old Town Manassas

ising Phoenix Holistic Center is a new healing and education center located at 9028 D Prince William Street in Old Town Manassas. Its mission is to serve as a hub for healing and spiritual nourishment. A team of healers, teachers and coaches follow an overall mission to activate healing and well-being within the community, elevate consciousness through education and ignite the spirit for personal growth and expansion. They offer weekly classes on a range of topics such as: A Course in Miracles, Everyday Essential Oils and Feng Shui Essentials. Their healers specialize in Reiki and are Reiki masters each with more than 10 years of experience. The teachers are well-versed in a myriad of spiritual and metaphysical topics and like to teach small classes to have personal interaction with all students. Their coaches are spiritual ministers who are intuitive, perceptive, and compassionate and work to help clients find their joy and happiness. Rising Phoenix also has a beautiful and calming space and a gift shop, filled with books, crystals, candles, jewelry and much more. There are also potential opportunities for holistic healers and teachers to do talks and teach classes on evenings and weekends. For more information including a current class schedule, visit RisingPhoenixHC.com. See ad, page 39.

King’s Park Professional Building 8996 Burke Lake Road, Suite L101, Burke VA 22015

Gina Maybury • Miriam Hunter • PJ Humphrey See our calendar at:

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Your first session with each of us is FREE.

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We are excited to hear from you and see you soon!

Washington, D.C.

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Green Comfort’s Herbal Wisdom For September

ummer is slowly turning to autumn and nature is guiding us to prepare for this change of season inside and out. As we harvest the remaining squash and dig our potatoes, we are preserving foods and herbs for the coming months. Internally, we can prepare for the changing seasons too. It is time to drink our freshly dried nettle tea to fortify ourselves against hay fever and allergies, as it reduces allergic responses. Soon it will be time to dig the roots of dandelion, burdock and yellow dock and make a strong decoction to purify and cleanse the liver, lymph and colon, to clear the way for a cold weather diet of roots and tubers. It is time to dry the last herbs, ferment the cabbage and pickle the vegetables for food and medicine. Harvest time is a time of preparing, changing and for those living with the seasons, a time to fortify. At Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine, it is a time to go back to school. The scholl offers four programs beginning in September, including Foundations of Medicinal Herbalism, Herbal Apothecary, Energetics of Traditional Western Herbalism, taught by Matthew Wood and Clinical Training I, II and III. Learning to prepare your harvest for your food and medicine is integral in the study of botanical medicine. Studying plants as medicine is integral to living a healthy life. Join them in preparing for the next season of your life. Teresa Boardwine RH, AHGI, is the founder of Green Comfort and has been an herbalist for 22 years and is registered with the American Herbalist Guild. She teaches at Green Comfort and sees clients with her clinical students on Thursdays. For more Information, 540-937-4283 or visit GreenComfortHerbSchool.com. See ad, page 45.

Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise 2015

op on board the March 14 to 21, 2015, Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise for an event that Natural Geographic Traveler calls “one of the 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life.” Enjoy life-transforming discussions on the benefits of a plantbased diet aboard a luxurious Italian cruise liner with a community of friends. Meet others who share your vision of health as you nourish yourself with good food, good people and good times. Among the 1,700-plus people attending will be an impressive list of doctors, instructors and chefs speaking on all aspects of holistic health, wellness and plantbased and macrobiotic diets. Drs. Caldwell Esselstyn, T. Colin Campbell, Neal Barnard, and Michael Greger will present why such a diet serves you and the world. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, AJ, and several other vegan chefs will teach you how to make this life taste great. These are just a few of the 35 teachers offering over 130 classes, which include yoga, Pilates and meditation. Evening parties will provide plenty of opportunity for fun and socializing. The cruise docks for adventures at Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. For more information, call 828-749-9537, email Info@HolisticHolidayatSea.com or visit HolisticHolidayatSea.com. See ad, page 59.

Sky House Yoga

ky House Yoga is donation-based yoga studio and herbal apothecary located in Silver Spring. In addition to offering yoga classes, astrology services and herbal consultations, Sky House regularly hosts special workshops, events, and donation based offerings from some of the best local wellness practitioners. Sky House Yoga was born during the autumn eclipse season of 2011 after several years of dreaming and visioning by its co-founders, Ashley Litecky and Adam Elenbaas. At the heart of the Sky House vision lies the ancient spiritual marriage between yoga, astrology and plant medicine. The blending of these sister sciences is front and center in the studio’s approach to yoga and is also the cornerstone of the 200-hour yoga training program, one and twoyear herbal apprenticeship courses, and one and two-year astrology certification courses. In addition to these core offerings, the Sky House mission is to provide the best in local holistic practitioner services and cutting edge wellness workshops. Perhaps most important to the Sky House vision is its financial philosophy. Sky House is a donationbased yoga studio and wellness collective. This means that all services are offered using sliding-scales and donation-based price ranges, ensuring that nobody is ever priced out of services for lack of funds. This fall, Sky House is offering many yoga classes, ayurvedic cooking workshops, teen wellness classes, advanced yoga immersions and live music events. For more information, visit SkyHouse Yoga.com. See ad, page 44.

natural awakenings

September 2014

newsbriefs Fall Classes Offered for Reducing Stress with Mindfulness

he George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine is now accepting registrations for the eight-week course Reducing Stress with Mindfulness, led by longtime mindfulness practitioner Grace Ogden.This experiential learning program, which begins in October, teaches new skills for managing stress and pain with Grace Ogden an emphasis on body-centered practices that awaken awareness of the present moment. Learning occurs through guided activities and the interactions of the participants with each other and with the teacher. Participants learn to recognize sensations, feelings and thoughts in times of difficulty, which is the first step to healing and stress reduction. People that have attended this program reported the following benefits: a decrease in chronic physical and psychological symptoms; improvements in ability to manage stress; feeling calmer; and coping with change better. They also eliminated behavioral patterns that were causing distress and developed more compassion and patience with others and with themselves. The course includes a full-day session in complete silence after week five. Two sessions are offered, Sunday afternoons on the GWU campus and Tuesday mornings in Takoma Park. For more information, call 202-833-5055, or visit gwcim.com/ patient-care/classes. If you have questions about the class, contact to Grace.gwcim@gmail.com. See ad, page 2.

The Reconnection: A New Way to Achieve Peak Performance

ave you noticed a shift going on here on the planet? Have you noticed a shift going on in your own life? Look around. It seems that we are all experiencing a tremendously powerful shift on the planet, one that is affecting everything from the weather to our socioeconomic systems and of course, our daily lives. As humans, we often find ourselves in need of healing on all levels; emotional, physical, spiritual and mental, and we all look for ways to relax and bring our lives back into balance. We are also looking for ways to improve all of the areas of our lives, and in fact, we all probably want an edge to get ahead in our lives. Some of us may even play in sports or participate in competitive activities. If any of this applies to you, then you just might like to hear that scientists are now proving that Reconnective Healing helps you not only to heal on all levels but also to significantly improve your physical energy levels and at the same time balance your emotional and mental states. The outcome of these benefits is that it seems to help everyone, including professional athletes, enter into a peak performance state, where they are able to perform better on the field and off. To learn more about Reconnective Healing and the Reconnection, join Joan Fowler and Debbie Spinelli at the Pathways 40th Natural Living Expo Fair for their 1 p.m. presentation Sunday, October 5. The Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location: Fairview Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church. See ad, page 36.

Ecstatic Chant Jai Uttal Returning in October

aking D.C. a priority stop on his fall 2014 tour, the celebrated call-and-response singer-guitarist Jai Uttal will perform at 7 p.m. on October 23 at the Spectrum Theatre, in Rosslyn. A joint presentation of Grace Productions and BuddhaFest, the program represents an invitation to experience how a dance club spirit can become even more liberating when evoked by ancient Sanskrit prayers instead of alcohol. Ecstatic chant is rooted in the Bhakti yoga tradition and, whether listening or joining in, the voices become a conduit for healing energy that makes a whole venue crackle with aliveness. The late, great, trance-dance artist Gabrielle Roth once said of Uttal, “Jai is a shaman with wings big enough to carry us all to ecstasy. Singing [kirtan] with him is a transcendental train to everywhere you wanted to go.” Uttal will be joined by the Maryland-based, mantra musician Gaura Vani and other artists to offer a full-sound beat that ranges from ska to rockabilly to classical Indian, all the while invoking love, devotion and the paradoxical inner strength found in surrender to something greater than oneself. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Buddhafest.org. Early bird tickets: $25 until September 23. Regular tickets: $30. Location: Spectrum Theatre, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. See ad, page 32.

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Savvy Rest Organic Mattresses Giveaway

S Tasty Prepared Meals From Local Chefs Delivered Close

ower Supply has quickly grown to become a favorite option for local overworked professionals who have decided that it is important to eat healthy, tasty meals, even if they have little time to prepare them. A tech-meets-food kind of service, Power Supply connects busy folks who want to eat better with talented local food makers who have interesting and tasty contributions to make to the traditionally less adventurous healthy food realm. The Arlington-based company has expanded to offer a variety of menus to customers who order meals in weekly plans (from three to 10 meals) with delivery every Monday and Thursday. Starting from a non-gluten, non-dairy foundation that applies to all their meals, Power Supply offers freshly prepared meals for vegetarians and meat eaters alike—from its Mixitarian and Paleo lines featuring antibiotic-free meats to a vegetarian offering that’s rich in protein but light on soy and eggs and thus vegan friendly. Much of the food is locally or regionally sourced and all is high quality and humanely raised. Meals can be ordered online and are delivered to a growing list (82 and counting) of gyms and yoga studios from Baltimore to Lorton (no membership required to pickup). This network for table-ready meals was the brainchild of Patrick Smith, a local tech entrepreneur who founded the company when trying to serve a need in his own life. After starting a CrossFit program and switching to a Paleo diet, he realized that it was timeconsuming to plan, shop, prepare and then eat the foods required in his new regime. Starting with a few locations and a few local chefs, Smith was able to coordinate all the planning, shopping and preparing, leaving just the best part (the eating) to the customer. Since those early days, Power Supply has drawn on Smith’s software roots to build a food and technology platform that now connects eight local chefs, each with a specialty, to conscious and time-strapped eaters throughout the region. Anna Bran Leis, born in Guatemala, brings a love for international flavors and “from-scratch traditions” to her repertoire of meals. Peter He specializes in super food veggies, sustainably raised and antibiotic-free proteins and heirloom rice, while Soupergirl co-founder, Sara Polon adds her amazing soups to the menus of Power Supply customers. To learn more, visit MyPowerSupply.com. Natural Awakenings readers can save $10 off their first order by going to MyPowerSupply.com/Natural or using “NATURAL” as their gift card at checkout. See ad, page 14.

nuggle into the fall season on a Savvy Rest organic mattress. Experience the comfort of a customized mattress—for the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. For the month of September, Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom in Vienna and Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom in Rockville will be offering one lucky individual the chance to win one of our organic Serenity mattresses. Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is a retail destination for natural latex mattresses, organic bedding and fine natural furniture. Savvy Rest mattresses are designed to offer complete personalization from very firm to very soft, or anything in between— even on different sides. The casings are made with certified organic cotton and have certified organic wool batting quilted inside to serve as a natural flame retardant and to promote a cooler, drier sleeping environment. Visit one of their Facebook pages (Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom, Vienna or Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom, Rockville) starting September 1 and like their page for details and instructions to enter the giveaway. See ad, page 33.

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September 2014

healthbriefs Bring this ad Get Your Best in for $100 off Body Ever Enrollment

Every Experience at Level is Unique. We offer:  Group Exercise Classes, Yoga and Cycling  Personal Training and Pilates Instruction  State of the Art Exercise Equipment  Special Programs for Youth, Seniors and Rehab 7687 MacArthur Blvd, Cabin John 301-229-0080 LevelFitness.com

Easy button your conscious eats (and heart your tastebuds) Tasty prepared meals, from local chefs, delivered close

When Not to Save the Best for Last by Dr. Isabel Sharkar hen it comes to choosing health care, being an educated consumer goes a long way. Most people seek naturopathic care as their last resort. By then, the body might have reached its point of no return. This is commonly seen in cancer. Patients seek naturopathic care after the conventional medical system has failed them. Over the past century, naturopathy has become the “alternative” medicine. However, most forms of naturopathy have been practiced for thousands of years like homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, botanical medicine, nutrition and hydrotherapy. According to Dana Ullman’s book, The Homeopathic Revolution, at least 11 American Presidents used homeopathic medicines or sponsored legislation to allow homeopathic practice. Furthermore, in non-naturopathic medical schools, medical students are given the option to take one elective nutrition class during their entire duration of studying. Whereas naturopathic medical school students are required to take nutritional courses almost every quarter. As Hippocrates said dating back to 431 B.C., “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” We are what we eat, what we absorb and what we assimilate. Why is nutrition not considered to in our current health care system? The principles of naturopathic medicine were first used by the Hippocratic School of Medicine in 400 B.C. Naturopathy includes the following six key principals: first do no harm, the healing power of nature, identify and treat the root cause, treat the whole person, education is key and the best cure is prevention. Naturopathy is a way of life. When it comes to health, there are no short cuts. Visit your local naturopath today and have your natural awakening!

Dr. Isabel Sharkar is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, call 202-298-9131 or visit IndigoHealthClinic.com. See ad, page 5.

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Ceramic Dental Implants and Optimum Overall Health by Dr. Terry Victor, The D.C. Dentist

ne of the most frequently asked questions in dentistry is how to replace missing teeth. One of the best ways to do this is with ceramic dental implants. The use of implants in the U.S. and worldwide has skyrocketed in the last few years. Research has shown the placement of implants has increased 400 percent in the last 10 years. Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. The procedure begins with a comprehensive examination to determine the suitability of the patient for dental implants. Next, a post is placed in the upper or lower jaw, which acts as a root. Next a crown or cap is placed on the post. This is what replaces the missing tooth. Implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. It is widely believed that the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Traditionally implants were made from titanium, which is a very strong metal. In the last few years, many patients have not been satisfied with having metal in their bodies and want a more biocompatible solution. This led to the development of ceramic or zirconia implants. These are metal-free and also promote growth of gum tissue around the implant while being very biocompatible. The ceramic implants are also much more esthetic that titanium implants since they are white like teeth while titanium is a gray color. Most patients find that implants are secure and stable and are a good replacement for their own teeth. Ceramic dental implants serve as a great source for replacing missing teeth and securing dentures so that the dentures do not move while chewing. Implants can make a denture feel like your own natural teeth. This improves an individual’s ability to properly chew their food which allows for the essential breakdown of the food to take place in the stomach. Without this process, the body is not able to utilize the nutrients from the food. Visit your local dentist for more information about the vital role ceramic implants play in improving your overall health. Terry Victor, DDS, is a dentist in Washington D.C., providing general restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Victor is an accredited member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and is also certified by the Eco-Dentistry Association. For more information, visit TheDCDentist.com. See ad, page 4.

RAISINS LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES RISK

Mindfulness Meditation Can Hinder Onset of Alzheimer’s

pilot study from the Harvard Medical School indicates yet another benefit of meditation. The researchers tested 14 people with mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to Alzheimer’s disease, and provided them with either Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training or standard care. Brain imaging tests indicated that those engaged in meditative training had increased activity and connections among three areas of the brain—the posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus. Although larger studies are needed, study authors remark, “These preliminary results indicate that in adults with mild cognitive impairment, MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction therapy may have a positive impact on the regions of the brain most related to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.”

esearchers from the University of Kentucky have determined that snacking on raisins can decrease high blood pressure and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. For 12 weeks, 46 men and women snacked on either processed snack foods or raisins. At the beginning and end of each month, the researchers tested for blood glucose, diabetic risk markers and blood pressure. Raisin snacking was found to reduce blood pressure while improving blood glucose and diabetic risk factors. The researchers concluded, “Regular consumption of raisins may reduce glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure.”

Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. ~Hannah Arendt

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September 2014

Don’t just cover up the symptoms! Take a holistic approach in caring for yourself and your loved ones NOVA Center for Alternative Medicine We utilize passive neurofeedback which has shown significant clinical results with: • ADD/ADHD • PTSD • Stress • Anxiety/Depression • Post-concussion syndrome Functional medicine, nutrition and lab testing: • Type II Diabetes • Thyroid Conditions • Fibromyalgia • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Sleep Disorders • Peripheral Neuropathy • Chronic pain/Pain management We also provide acupuncture, cold laser and chiropractic for complete holistic care in a one-stop natural health facility.

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healthbriefs

Yoga Boosts Hearts, Shrinks Waistlines

wo scientific reviews of human clinical research have found that hatha yoga significantly reduces heart disease risk factors. Researchers from Germany’s University of Duisburg-Essen reviewed 44 studies involving more than 3,000 people. Overall, the studies found that hatha yoga significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Yoga participants also showed lower respiratory and heartbeat rates, significantly reduced triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol. Several important diabetes risk markers decreased among the yoga participants; they also realized smaller waistlines. Similar results were reached by scientists from the United Kingdom’s Warwick Medical School. In analyzing 11 studies involving 800 people, they found that regular yoga exercise both reduced diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides and increased beneficial HDL cholesterol levels.

Licorice Root Reduces Dangerous Fat

new study published in the journal Nutrafoods has confirmed that licorice extract helps reduce visceral fat in obese adults. The study tested 60 men and 60 women that were clinically obese with body mass index (BMI) scores of over 30. For three months, they were given either a placebo pill or 300 milligrams per day of licorice root extract. Then they were tested for visceral fat using CT scans and measured for waist circumference, waist-to-hip measurements and BMI scores. The licorice extract group had significantly fewer visceral fat cells, lower BMI scores and reduced waist circumference compared with the placebo group. Previous research with the extract also showed similar weight-loss effects among human subjects.

TONGUE DIAGNOSIS REVEALS SLEEP DISORDERS

raditional medicines have long utilized tongue analysis to diagnose various disorders. Now, a recent study from the Republic of Korea’s Institute of Oriental Medicine supports the accuracy of this ancient health practice in the area of sleep dysfunction. The researchers studied two separate groups of 153 people and 454 elderly people; in both, the color of their tongues was analyzed and compared with cases of sleep disorders within each group. Those experiencing sleep dysfunctions had a paler tongue color compared with those in the healthy group; they also had more thickly coated tongues.

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globalbriefs

Apple Corps

News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Radioactive Sea

Japan’s Nuclear Meltdown is Poisoning California Kelp Scientists analyzing kelp off the coast of San Diego have linked the presence of the radioactive isotope cesium to the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, in Japan, which melted down in 2011. As part of the ongoing Kelp Watch 2014 project, government and academic institutions have begun receiving results from samples of bull kelp and giant kelp collected along the California coast. “We’re trying to figure out how much is there and how much is getting into the ecosystem,” says Matthew Edwards, Ph.D., of San Diego State University. “Things are linked a little more closely than sometimes we’d like to think. Just because it’s on the other side of the world doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect us.” With experts predicting a 40-year-plus cleanup at Fukushima, the likelihood of increased cesium in the Pacific Ocean seems inevitable.

Green Apple Day Aims to Transform Schools The Green Apple Day of Service, to take place on September 27 nationwide, will give parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations ways to transform schools into more healthy, safe and productive learning environments via local service projects. Green Apple is a global movement dedicated to enabling schools to provide clean and healthy air, conserve energy and other resources and serve as places where young people can reap inspired dreams of a brighter future. Source: MyGreenApple.org

For more information, visit KelpWatch.Berkeley.edu.

Safer Shampoo

Makers Agree Not to Use Cancer-Causing Chemical This year, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) reached legal agreements with 26 major companies to discontinue using a cancercausing chemical in shampoo and personal care products, and potential agreements with more than 100 additional companies are still pending. Cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), a synthetic chemical created from a chemical reaction between coconut oils and diethanolamine, has been used for decades in shampoos and other products as a foaming agent. In 2012, California listed the chemical as a known carcinogen, based on assessment by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, which evaluated skin exposure tests on animals. In 2013, the CEH brought lawsuits against companies selling products in California containing the substance without a health warning, as required under Prop 65, the state’s consumer protection law for toxic chemicals. Note: A Think Dirty app offers information about the potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products and what not to buy. Source: Ecowatch.com (Tinyurl.com/Shampoo-Lawsuit)

GMO Gung-Ho

U.S. Farmers Plant More GMO Crops Farmers in the U.S. added 12 million more acres of genetically modified (GM or GMO) crops in 2013, reports Clive James, with the International Service for the Acquisition of AgriBiotech Applications, and now lead the world in their production by volume. Even as many U.S. consumers reject foods containing GM ingredients, many farmers continue to embrace the technology. “In general, choosing GM seed is an economic decision for farmers,” says North Dakota Farmers’ Union President Mark Watne, who grows corn, soy and wheat in Minot. “If you give them a tool to battle weeds at a reasonable cost, they adopt it.” Source: USA Today

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September 2014

globalbriefs Online Opportunity

Major University Offers Integrative Medicine Certificate The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is inaugurating an online Integrative Medicine Program in partnership with the Metabolic Medical Institute and accepting applications toward graduate certification in integrative medicine. Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person, and the curriculum includes prevention, self-care, nutrition, exercise prescription, dietary supplements and wellness-based therapies. Students also review advanced predictive diagnostics, biotechnology, and systems biology utilizing proteomics, genomics and metabolomics. Graduates will gain cutting-edge knowledge to make well-informed decisions with their patients about treating disease, promoting vitality and optimizing aging. To learn more and enroll in the program, visit MMIMedicine.com.

Apple Crunch

Celebrating Pesticide-Free Orchards The nationally acclaimed Rodale Institute will celebrate its fifth annual Organic Apple Festival on September 21 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, more than 30 years after planting the trees. Organizers note that when growers select just one genetic variety of apple to reproduce and cultivate, they create a monoculture that easily becomes more susceptible to pests and diseases than an orchard that hosts several varieties. An array of insects and blights favor this all-American fruit, which is why standard apples are the single-most pesticide-contaminated produce item at conventional groceries. Large agribusiness operations typically grow fruit bred for durability and color during shipping and shelf life. Organic apples, by contrast, are chosen for flavor and regional adaptability. Source: Facebook.com/RodaleInstitute

Ice Cubed

Greenland a Big Contributor to Sea Level Rise New research by University of California-Irvine and NASA glaciologists published in Nature Geoscience shows that Greenland is more vulnerable to warm ocean waters from climate change than previously thought. Newly discovered deep valleys stretch for dozens of miles under the Greenland ice sheet in bedrock well below sea level. As subtropical Atlantic waters hit the fronts of hundreds of glaciers, their edges will erode much further than had been assumed and release far greater amounts of water. Ice melt from the subcontinent has already accelerated as warmer marine currents have migrated north, although older models predicted that once higher ground was reached in a few years, the ocean-induced melting would halt, Greenland’s frozen mass would stop shrinking and its effect on higher sea waters would be curtailed. Source: Environmental News Network (Tinyurl.com/Greenland-Sea-Rise) 18

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Cleaner Air

New EPA Rules Proposed for Climate Change The White House plans to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Each state will have its own goal within the overall national pollution reduction effort, an attempt to be politically and practically flexible in its implementation. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy explains, “Each state’s goal is tailored to its own circumstances, and states have the flexibility to reach the goal in whatever ways work best for them.” States can renovate existing coal-fired plants with newer, cleaner burning technology; switch coal plants to natural gas, which produces much less carbon; and work to persuade residents to be more efficient in their use of electricity. States can also band together in cap-and-trade networks for emission reductions, in which companies buy and sell permits allowing them to produce a certain amount of carbon emissions. Clean producers can be sellers, dirtier producers buyers. The program represents an absolute reduction in U.S. carbon emissions of nearly one-third, rather than a simple slowing in the growth rate of emissions. Contrary industry groups, many Republicans and some coal-state Democrats oppose the proposal due to its anticipated costs and increased regulations. Source: The Christian Science Monitor

businessspotlight

Level Fitness

Living Level, Obtaining Balance in the Mind, Body and Soul

en years ago in the heart of Cabin John, a little gym first opened its doors to invite members of the Cabin John, Potomac, North Potomac and Bethesda communities to obtain better lives through fitness in an environment one can only describe as unique. Level, A Unique Fitness Club, aptly named for its unique fitness approach, became a hub for fitness in this community. From the road it looks like just another house in this suburban neighborhood lying just outside the D.C. border. Level is actually three house structures and a cycling trailer that hold all of its exercise programs. These structures allow Level to create fitness programming to accommodate all persons that become a part of the Level family.

Level is not only unique in structure but in its desire to help each person individually utilize all available resources to customize their program and meet his or her needs related to the body, mind and spirit. A member can’t help but walk into the club and feel as though they have been transported through time to an episode of the television show Cheers from the 1980s. The idea of coming to a place where “everyone knows your name” is not a foreign concept to the members of Level. The membership base is kept exclusively small (only 500 members) to ensure this personal experience. You don’t have to be a member to work out at Level. Even without a membership, there is the opportunity

to participate in group fitness classes, personal training, Pilates instruction, yoga programs and other programs at a package or individually priced rate. Level has rounded-out the experiences for members by having a highly trained team of personal trainers, Pilates instructors, yoga teachers and group fitness staff that work together to help each member meet their goals. “Not every type of exercise works for everyone,” Fitness Director Adriane Morgan-Henn says. “Everyone needs flexibility training, core strength training and betterment of the soul. Level works to get each member a program that has all of these things.” For many, yoga or Pilates classes and instruction are important components, however for some, the structure of these classes doesn’t work as well, so other components are added. With this in mind, Level is launching a new mind-body program this fall. Body Flow, a trademark class by Les Mills, an internationally renowned fitness company creating pre-choreographed classes offered worldwide, will be launched October 1. This class combines yoga, Pilates, core and tai chi to create a well-balanced program that incorporates the flexibility and core strengthening individuals need. It is yet another avenue for Level to provide their members and guests with the best fitness programing available and all the options to help round out their fitness programs. Level invites you to start your journey to Live Level by joining them this fall for a unique fitness experience. Location: 7687 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John. For more information, call 301229-0080 or visit LevelFitness.com. See ad, page 14.

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September 2014

to keep her husband as engaged and active as possible. When she had difficult issues to discuss, she’d make a “talking date” with him, offering choices by saying, “I’d love to chat with you. Would Tuesday before dinner or Thursday after breakfast work for you?” Before the date, she’d select a comfortable room and clear her mind by meditating, napping or mindfully sipping herbal tea. The conversations would cover anything from how to work with their health professionals to plans for his end-of-life ceremony. They agreed on strategies and worked together as a team.

Redefine Assistance

Conscious Caregiving Nurture Yourself While Helping Another by Deborah Shouse

“

f you’re depressed, tired or sick, your caregiving is likely to suffer,” counsels John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network, in Washington, D.C., and a former family caregiver. “For the sake of your loved one, take care of yourself.” The AARP estimates that some 34 million family caregivers provide for someone that is ill or disabled in the U.S. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, in Bethesda, Maryland, caregivers generally struggle with finding time for themselves, managing emotional and physical stress and balancing work and family responsibilities. Experts suggest that the following seven steps can help people enjoy a healthier, less stressful and more conscious approach to care giving— and receiving.

Reframe Care

When Lori La Bey’s mom was diagnosed with dementia, the daughter initially felt she was the only family 20

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member that could help her. However, gradually, the Minneapolis-based international caregiver advocate and founder of AlzheimersSpeaks.com learned to welcome help from others. “Being perfect gets in the way of true connections,” she observes. Although La Bey began her caregiving out of love, the volume of related tasks soon sparked stress. That’s when she taught herself to slow down and reframe her outlook: Before going into her mom’s room, folding her laundry, scheduling healthcare practitioners and delivering dinner, La Bey paused to consciously ask: “Is Mom safe, happy and pain-free?” Centering on those three questions reminded her that she was doing this work out of love. Psychotherapist Diana Denholm, Ph.D., of West Palm Beach, Florida, heightened her own consciousness by learning to see caregiving as a collaborative effort. Denholm, author of The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook: Caring for Your Seriously Ill Husband, Caring for Yourself (CaregivingWife.com), sought

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“I’ll carry your luggage for you, Dad, since you’re not feeling well”… La Bey still remembers her father’s downturned mouth as she tugged the suitcase out of his hands. “I was trying to be helpful, but instead I took away his dignity and power,” she later realized. “If I had packed his bag lighter, he could have carried it like always.” When are we helping and when are we doing too much? “Put yourself in the sick person’s shoes. Avoid doing something the person can do for himself,” agrees Denholm. Controlling behavior changes the dynamics of the relationship and can put the caregiver in a parental role. She recommends a holistic brainstorming exercise in which the caregiver writes answers to such questions as: What am I frustrated about? What really annoys me? Why am I angry with myself? The results offer a window to understanding our own feelings. “Feeling anger could mean we’re acting codependently and taking on too many responsibilities,” Denholm says. “The caregiver’s job isn’t to save the patient, but merely to support him or her in necessary ways.”

Ask for Help

“I don’t want to be a burden,” and “We’re afraid of losing our privacy,” and “I’m the only one who can take care of him; no one else can do it right,” are common concerns. “These self-limiting beliefs prevent people from reaching out for help,” says family caregiver and life coach Yosaif August,

founder of Yes To Life Coaching (YesToLifeCoaching.com), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and author of Coaching for Caregivers: How to Reach Out Before You Burn Out. August quotes a recent Johns Hopkins study that reported caregivers might improve their health “… when caregiving is done willingly, at manageable levels and with individuals who are capable of expressing gratitude.” Accepting assistance makes caregiving more manageable. August understands how overwhelming the experience can be and advises caregivers to ask themselves: “What do I need help with right now?” Keep answers specific, such as, “I need someone to prepare dinner tomorrow night, mow the lawn and pick up our vitamins.” August also suggests creating a family Declaration of Interdependence, a personal statement documenting how the family prefers to be helped, along with the attitudes and behaviors they find especially supportive. Encourage family and friends to ask these two questions: “Are you open to advice?” and “Is this a good time to talk about your spouse’s condition?” Make much-needed breaks sacrosanct from such discussions.

Extending a Hand to Caregivers If your caregiving friends can’t articulate what they need, try these lovely offerings. n Send a cheerful card. n Gift a plant. n Weed their garden. n Cook a meal. n Schedule a walk together. n Sit with a loved one for several hours so they can run errands. n Volunteer to get their car washed. n Take them to a movie or out to dinner. n Buy a gift certificate to use online. n Treat them to a massage.

Nurture through Nourishment

More than 50 percent of caregivers surveyed in a 21st-century study spearheaded by the National Alliance for Caregiving reported, “I don’t have time to take care of myself.” That can translate to a lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and little or no respite. “If you aren’t healthy and strong, you can’t properly care for anyone else,” says Liana Werner-Gray, New York City natural lifestyle consultant and author of The Earth Diet (TheEarthDiet.org). To begin each day, she advises drinking one cup of warm water with juice from half a lemon, explaining that stress produces acid and lemon water metabolizes as alkalinity and helps keep the body’s pH balanced. For healthy snacks, Werner-Gray recommends easy and nutrition-rich choices like fresh fruits, green smoothies, organic nut butters and a trail mix of raw nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Save time with the smoothies by making a large batch and freezing portions to enjoy later. A basic recipe might include two handfuls of greens, such as spinach and kale, a banana and other fruits, almond milk or purified water and maybe adding flaxseed, cinnamon or goji berries. When appropriate, share the same health-boosting foods with the loved one. Victoria Moran, of New York City, is the director of the Main Street Vegan Academy and author of a dozen books on health and well-being including Main Street Vegan and Living a Charmed Life. She offers such conscious eating tips as eating full meals of “real” food instead of snacks; selecting beautiful foods; and ritualizing indulgences, such as a special spot for relaxing with high-quality dark chocolate and tea using good china while listening to classical music.

Stand for Exercise

Even though caregivers may feel they don’t have time to spare, Dr. Jordan D. Metzl, author of The Exercise Cure, says it’s vital to incorporate physical activity. He recommends starting by walking 30 minutes a day for one month. If necessary, it can be done in 10-minute increments.

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September 2014

consciousness AccordMake a list of favorite raising ritual to ing to a study ways to relax and renew welcome and by Mayo Clinic Physician James during short respites, such appreciate life. Begin each day by Levine, Ph.D., as reading, listening to showing gratitude in Scottsdale, Arizona, “Sitting music, stepping outside, for being alive and end it focused on is the new smoksipping coffee with friends forgiveness and ing.” Researchers have linked sitting or taking a hot shower, gratitude. “When you cultivate gratifor long periods and refer to it often. tude, you notice of time with a more things to be number of health grateful for,” says August. concerns that include obesity, metaLa Bey concurs, and writes down bolic syndrome and increased risks of death from cardiovascular disease and at least five things she is grateful for every day. She mentally replays time cancer. The solution is to move more and sit less—walk while on the phone with her mom and appreciates the little moments and signs of hope, like and stand up while reading. Metzl suggests a stretch break every 20 min- “the twinkle in Mom’s eye or the way she held hands and smiled.” This puts utes. Three of his “commandments” for fitness are having fun, setting goals her in an upbeat frame of mind when she drifts off to sleep. She also writes and minimizing sitting. out her intention for the day, envision “Schedule exercise and respite ing positive outcomes. She might afbreaks and make them as inviolate as a firm: “I am going to have a grace-filled doctor’s visit,” advises Schall. day. Things will go smoothly.” Denholm centers herself by petCommune with Spirit August suggests establishing a twofold ting her cats. Some caregivers chant or

practice meditation or mindful breathing, while others might take a walk, shop, or sit quietly in a church.

Notice Blessings

La Bey discovered that her journey as a caregiver also dramatically enhanced her own life. “Mom taught me so much,” she relates. “I learned compassion and unconditional love on multiple levels. I learned to live in gratitude, instead of loss.” August notes, “Even in the tough times, I experienced an engaged, poignant and rich connection with my parents.” For Denholm, treasured gifts included strengthening her communication with her husband and working as a team. “Allowing yourself to reach out for assistance and make time for respite will deeply enrich your caregiving experience,” concludes Schall. Deborah Shouse is the author of Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver’s Journey. Follow her blog at DeborahShouseWrites.wordpress.com.

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Join us on the Dawson’s Market Patio for live Music, Wine, and small plated food every Thursday in July and August from 6:30-8:30pm.

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Culinary Herbs

Providing Spice and Health by Eleonora Gafton

erbs and spices have a deep history in evolution and have played an integral part of in civilization. With the discovery of fire, humans realized that they could cook food instead of eating it raw. The craft of cooking became the most revolutionary phenomena. Cultures realized that they could chew cooked foods better, spend less time on eating and thereby have more time to devote to creativity and thought. The first record of documented herbs appeared about 2000 B.C. in Babylon where the tested medicinal use was detailed. Applications and instructions included some of the herbs used today, like bay tree, thyme, coriander and caraway. The Roman upper-class consumed spices in large quantities due to the poor quality of the foodstuff. Culinary herbs like onions and garlic were used by the Greek and Roman soldiers and were part of the soldiers’ rations, knowing the healing properties of the allium species. Emperor Charlemagne, being a huge herb enthusiast, coined the phrase “the friend of physicians and the pride of cooks,” referring to the great value of the

herbs. Later the French chefs introduced standards of using herbs in cooking. Today, it is popular to incorporate fresh and organic culinary herbs and spices into cooking and medicine. We want authentic flavors in the foods we consume. We demand the lush aromas of fresh herbs and spices, not only for the culinary benefits as flavor enhancers, but also for their medicinal properties. Culinary herbs and spices were used to alleviate our aches and pains throughout history. Although 20th-century science has isolated the individual constituents of plants and has succeeded in reproducing them synthetically and offered in small bottles, it has not replaced the use and preference for fresh herbs and spices. Our current desire for more quantity and super-sized portions has been at the expense of reduced flavor, less aroma and diminished nutritional value. These characteristics are experienced through the tongue and our sense of smell. To overcome this challenge, modern science tries in vain to replace it with artificial flavors. The true aroma and flavor of fresh herbs and spices have

the uplifting power of light and warmth compared to the artificial flavors that have the opposite effect. Our consumption of food is directly related to our mind, body and spiritual well-being. Culinary herbs offer many health benefits and reward us with their aroma. While we know that fresh herbs and spices offer many health benefits, there are no dietary recommendations established at this time. We currently rely on traditional medicinal practices employed by cultures throughout the world and continue to study appropriate amounts that produce therapeutic benefits. Herbs and spices are helpful for low sodium diets for those who have high blood pressure. It improves the taste of foods, making them more palatable. Fennel and caraway are excellent spices used as carminatives to reduce belching and flatulence. For medicinal purposes, these herbs and spices need to be administered about 30 to 60 minutes before meals in the form of tea infusions, tinctures, powders or as capsules. Anise, fennel, and thyme are known for their expectorant properties. Juniper berries, lovage and parsley are used for their diuretic action and used for urinary tract infections. Horseradish and garden nasturtium are recommended as urinary antiseptics. The history of culinary herbs for health and flavor is a long one, and promises to become even more interesting as cultures combine their best spices and herbs to create a very flavorful world. Sources: Swahn, 1991; Boxer, A., & Back, P., 1980; Geuter, 1962. Eleonora Gafton is the Cooking Lab coordinator for the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). She completed her professional chef training in Bucharest, and went on to work in a three-star tourist hotel, becoming the first female executive chef in a communist country. She received bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Cornell University and worked for 20 years in the hotel industry in Washington, D.C. Gafton completed the health coach training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and is currently completing her master’s degree in Herbal Medicine at MUIH. See ad, page 60.

natural awakenings

September 2014

healingways

DEPRESSION

We Can Learn from Robin Williams by Dr. Chas Gant, M.D.

he tragic suicide of beloved comic actor, Robin Williams, left most of us with sadness and shock. It is time to ask the difficult questions: how and why do tragedies like this happen and what can be done about it? The solution to this epidemic begins by asking—how many people, including professionals, are aware that depression can have many biochemical causes which are reversible and that the symptoms labeled as depression are the natural responses of the body to biochemical imbalances? As an example, researchers are now finding that a significant proportion of chronic psychiatric problems like depression and schizophrenia are caused by chronic Lyme, candida and other co-infections.

A partial list of causes for depression include: n Chronic infections n Allergies, like gluten allergy or celiac n Toxins like mercury or lead poisoning (neurotoxicity poisoning from heavy metals) n Poly-pharmacy toxicity—the taking of many medications at the same time n Regular psychotropic drug use— 24

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illicit (e.g., cocaine), recreational (e.g., alcohol) or prescriptive (e.g., codeine or sedatives)

n Metabolic disturbances like hypo- glycemia n Endocrine imbalances like testosterone deficiency n Nutritional deficiencies (neurotransmitter imbalances from amino acid precursor deficiencies; nutritional deficiencies for specific vitamins and minerals; brain neuroplasticity distortions from essential fatty acid imbalances and oxidative stress; gastrointestinal imbalances from mal-digestion) n Genetic quirks called SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms that seriously predispose people to addiction and depression Once one understands that there are many biochemical causes, the next question is, why would the body respond to these causes of depression by exhibiting the symptoms of depression? To answer this, a more fundamental question must be asked: why do symptoms happen at all? The answer is simple. Symptoms are the attempts of the body to heal itself and bring itself back into balance, called homeostasis. Cough and diarrhea are attempts of the body to rid itself of toxins. Fever

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is an attempt of the body to prevent or inhibit microorganism replication by turning up the heat. These symptoms should not be thwarted out of the mistaken impression that they are harmful, unless they are so extreme that they might pose a threat. Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration. Interminable cough can prevent normal sleep and rest. Very high fevers can cause convulsions. Otherwise, symptoms should be redefined as beneficial attempts of the body to heal itself. How does depression fit into this line of reasoning? A clue concerns the effects of what is called cytokines on the pituitary, the master gland. Cytokines, acting like hormones, are cell-tocell communication molecules in the immune system. The pituitary, when exposed to high cytokine levels starts cutting back on the pre-hormones which govern much of the endocrine system. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) lowers and the thyroid consequently decreases production of thyroid hormone. Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) levels drop, which causes us to urinate more often, get thirstier and drink water more often—a detoxification strategy. Pre-hormones that control sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen all fall, making us relatively less interested in sex and less capable of reproduction. Growth hormone (GH) drops, decreasing anabolism, metabolism and hunger. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) lowers and cortisol levels fall, so the protective value of cortisol on stress is minimized and we become easily exhausted, burned out and inclined to rest more. In an attempt to deal with immune stress, the effects of cytokines on the pituitary essentially causes more downtime, lowering of energy levels, causing more sleep, driving disinterest in daily activities, creating vegetative symptoms. Do these symptoms sound familiar? Yes, they are the symptoms of depression. Depression is a protective response to immune stress. So it goes with toxic stress, oxidative stress, cognitive emotional stress, energetic stress and stress caused by nutritional deficiencies. The latter can be observed during one’s daily routine. Just stop eating and see what happens.

Deprived of glucose, some people will become depressed within six to eight hours of not eating. Others become hungry, which is a response to decreased neurotransmitter production which are synthesized from certain plummeting amino acids. When the body becomes less capable of dynamic activity and calorie burning due to immune, allergic, metabolic, infectious, toxic, nutritionally-based or genetically predisposed causes, it lowers its metabolism and functions at lower levels. You might say the body “shuts itself down.” That’s called depression and it’s perfectly normal and predictable. Depression is an attempt to protect the body from heightened activity challenges it is incapable of meeting. Handle the causes and the body will respond by once again increasing metabolism. Addictions to alcohol, tobacco, psychiatric medications or illicit substances are merely desperate attempts to bypass these uncomfortable symptoms with brain-injurious, psychotropic chemicals, which only

to these questions. With vast economic resources, perhaps Robin Williams had these technologies available to him and decided that they were too difficult to utilize. Making the lifestyle, dietary, detoxification and reconstructive psychotherapeutic changes that are needed to overcome depression and addiction can sometimes take strenuous effort. We do know that his death provides an opportunity to share hope with those who face similar challenges as we mourn the loss of our beloved funny guy who tickled our funny bones and healed us with his talents.

results in more imbalances, heightened toxicity and often deeper depression. So, how do we rapidly and accurately identify and reverse these causes of depression and other similar disorders? Answer: By taking advantage of the medical science of functional medicine and nutrigenomics, which is becoming widely available to most consumers and is largely insurance reimbursable. Why do health care consumers not avail themselves of these technologies? Answer: health care professionals who are skilled in delivering these services are still relatively few and far between and a great deal of medical education needs to occur. Did we lose one of the most beautiful and talented human beings who ever lived because we did not provide the correct assistance that was required? When he reached out for help, did he find clinicians who could have provided the technologies of functional medicine and nutrigenomics which could have saved his life? We may never know the answer

Chas Gant, M.D., Ph.D., is an author, physician and practitioner, specializing in molecular health and healing. For more information, call 202-237-7000 ext 104 or visit DrChasMD.com. See ad, page 8. To learn more from Dr. Chas on depression, attend his free seminar. For details, see ad, page 28.

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September 2014

The Benefits of Local Bees and Their Honey by Alison Gillespie

ny warm weekend, shoppers can be found in long lines at farmers markets, waiting to buy local honey. This is even true in cities like Baltimore, D.C., and Philadelphia, where honey often sells for $10 to $25 a bottle. In New York, one urban farming company made foodie headlines when it offered its Brooklyn-made honey for $40 a pound—and quickly sold out of its seasonal stock. Why are consumers so willing to pay high prices for local honey when there’s ample stock of the cheaper stuff waiting on the shelf at the grocery store? Also, why are people so anxious to get honey from hives placed atop high-rises, in parks or along city streets? Some hope for relief from seasonal allergies. The belief is that because bees gather nectar and eat pollen from local flowers, humans who eat the honey of local bees will somehow be given instant immune system recharges. The honey, some argue, provides immunotherapy, whereby the body is exposed to the 26

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pollen in small, harmless amounts in order to correct the allergic reaction. Certainly the anecdotal evidence for this is ample; many beekeepers themselves report that eating their own honey has helped bring down their hay fever. This remains, however, an idea without any scientific backing as of yet. In fact, the only study conducted thus far on the topic, by researchers from the University of Connecticut in 2002, found that honey did not provide people suffering from seasonal allergies with any relief. There are also those who think that buying local honey may help manage Type 2 diabetes—an idea that medical professionals caution against. Both contain glucose and fructose, but a teaspoon of sugar contains 16 calories while a teaspoon of honey contains 22. Both sweeteners, doctors often point out, rank very close on the glycemic index. There seems to be no evidence that honey will help in the management of disease. Honey does contain more vitamins and minerals than processed sugar but the amount and variety can vary based on where and how the honey is processed and what flowers the bees visited while making it. Given the available science, it may be that the best reason to buy local urban honey isn’t related to human health, but instead to the health and well-being of the honey bees. Beekeeping has become an increasingly expensive and challenging venture. Anywhere between 25 to 30 percent of the nation’s bees die each

year, forcing beekeepers to invest repeatedly in establishing new colonies. While scientists continue to seek information on what’s causing massive bee die-offs and the problems associated with Colony Collapse Disorder, buying local honey may help to keep beekeepers in business, allowing urban farmers to readily pollinate their needed crops in otherwise concrete-laden neighborhoods. Some growers say that without a hive or two installed near their rows of city-grown vegetable and fruit crops, they simply wouldn’t be able to harvest enough food to make planting worthwhile. Bees, therefore, form an important part of the effort to end urban food deserts. Local honey also tastes entirely different from what you often find in the grocery store. Each neighborhood has its own complex conglomeration of flowers and trees, making each harvest of honey slightly different from what might be pulled from hives just a few blocks away. Honey that has been gathered carefully by a local beekeeper and sold without any kind of heating or filtration has a fresh, strong flavor that cannot be matched by corporations who gather honey for processing from across vast areas of farmland. Alison Gillespie writes from her home in Silver Spring. Her book about urban beekeepers trying to keep honey bees alive in America’s Mid-Atlantic cities, titled Hives in the City, was published in March. For more information, visit AlisonGillespie.com.

Scientific and Spiritual Knowledge for a New Era • Gain insights about new views of reality coming from the frontiers of scientific research • Personally experience your subtle spiritual nature through my experiential and knowledge workshops • Explore your life purpose in spiritual counseling Douglas Kinney, M.S, RScP, CHt Member: IONS, ARE, Society for Scientific Exploration, International New Thought Alliance Author: Frontiers of Knowledge, Framework of Reality (see website for excerpts from books) Visit: www.douglaskinney.com for events, updates Contact: dougkinney@msn.com, 301-236-9040

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Proud to be Vegan Sharon Gannon in D.C. For Yoga Class And Catered Book Party by Terri Carr

s Washington D.C.’s “Proud to be Vegan” and Jivamukti Affiliated Yoga Studio, Buddha B Yoga Center is sponsoring Sharon Gannon’s yoga class and catered book party at the Washington Convention Center on September 27. Gannon will lead a yoga workshop from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and host a catered book party from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate her new cookbook, Simple Recipes for Joy. The book party will include a buffetstyle lunch made with the recipes in her book. The menu will be: very green raw soup, Insteada-Tuna Salad with Tempeh, “Poached Eggs” on Toast with Tofu, Spirulina Millet with Spicy Tempeh and Steamed Kale with Tahini Dressing. Dessert will be vegan chocolate cupcakes and Gannon’s signature Julia Butterfly Hill Cookies. Whereas many cookbooks focus on gluten-free or fat-free recipes, Sim-

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ple Recipes for Joy grew out of Gannon’s 30-year yoga practice and the principle of ahimsa or non-harming. None of the recipes require any animal ingredients or animal by-products. The recipes that made it into the book are the ones most favored by her friends and family as well as customers at Jivamuktea Cafe, the Manhattan cafe she founded in 2006 with partner, David Life. Gannon says it is ironic that she has written a cookbook, considering that as a young woman, she considered things like cooking and gardening utterly uninteresting. At 19, she met her first spiritual teacher who advised that to get enlightened, she had to learn how to cook, how to clean her house and how to garden. Gannon says, “I laughed at him. I thought—I am a liberated woman, I am an intellectual, an artist.” Since then she says, “His words have rung

“The energy of the cook will be absorbed into the finished product. She suggests bringing sacredness into the act of eating by offering a prayer or giving thanks before meals. There is no more compulsive eating.” so true.” After she became a dedicated yogi, she changed her attitude toward seemingly mundane tasks. Now she feels, “Washing dishes, scrubbing the floor, preparing your altar should be considered all the same. It is all worshipping God. A true yogi doesn’t see anything as mundane.” In her book, she talks about the importance of being in a good frame of mind while cooking since the energy of the cook will be absorbed into the finished product. She suggests bringing sacredness into the act of eating by offering a prayer or giving thanks before meals. Gannon says, “I never eat anything or even drink water unless I say a prayer or offer it to God. It changes your life. There is no more compulsive eating.” With few exceptions, the recipes in Simple Recipes For Joy are made with 10 or fewer ingredients easily, found at any grocery store or farmers market. Gannon says she can’t handle many of the complicated recipes in other cookbooks. “One of the reasons I wrote the book is because I also don’t have time (to cook). A meal from beginning to end has to be done in less than an hour.” She hopes the book will help more people understand the suffering and environmental effects of a carnivorous diet. “This info has been hidden from us. Most people just don’t know.” Location: 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information or to register for the class or lunch, visit BuddhaBYoga.com. See ad, page 45. Terri Carr is a D.C.-based freelance writer who blogs at yogaSOULultions.com.

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September 2014

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Best Hydrating Foods by Elaine Gibson

s I was fighting for my life on my journey to beat stage IV cancer without traditional protocols, it became clear that health and a strong immune system are the result of the choices I make every minute of every day. Once I understood that a high raw alkaline oxygen-rich lifestyle was the key, the rest

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fell into place. Now is a time for enjoying delicious fruits and vegetables that are not always available year-round. A healthy diet consists of seasonal produce that not only tastes great, but also helps to keep us hydrated during the warmer months. It thrills me to think about all of

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the wonderful dishes and cool drinks Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make with what I take home from the market. Cucumbers taste great raw, sliced thin and dipped in vegan ranch dressing or hummus. They are made of mostly water and are one of the best foods to hydrate the body. You can even float them in some filtered water for a unique, refreshing drink. Watermelon is mostly water. I love a huge slice of watermelon, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also fun to blend it with ice and a little coconut palm sugar and make a frozen granita for a light dessert. Watermelons contain essential hydrating salts, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Cabbage has tons of vitamin C and is packed with fiber. This summer vegetable is rich in natural probiotics, which help to keep the digestive system working efficiently. Lettuces are about 90 percent water. I adore a spicy mix or a mesclun salad filled with a nice blend of the best lettuces and herbs of summer. Tomatoes, specifically heirloom tomatoes, which have been cultivated for more than 50 years and come from some of the most dynamic plants.

Growers save the top-quality seeds, which then produce incredibly colorful tomatoes of all shapes and sizes. Tomatoes ripen on the vine, so be sure to purchase those that flourish locally. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are at their peak during the summer. These super fruits are chock full of antioxidants and vitamin C and are great for detoxing the entire body. Who doesn’t like to munch on a basket of fresh, sweet berries as a pre-meal snack? One of my favorite ways to eat berries is for breakfast or dessert, as a parfait with a little nondairy yogurt. Cherries have more antioxidants and vitamin C than almost any food on the planet. Rainier cherries are so flavorful, with their candy-like yellow flesh cut open and placed on a salad or just eaten plain. Grapes are hydrating balls of goodness, known for their extremely high content of resveratrol, a substance that acts as an antioxidant and is heart-friendly. Take your pick from green, red, black and purple and revel in one of summer’s most delicious fruits. Carrots are almost all water, which many people don’t realize. Summer offers some of the tastiest carrots, surprisingly grown in more colors than just orange, such as yellow and green. Carrots are natural sources of beta-carotene. Shop nature’s supermarket while these foods are still available by filling your basket with fruits and vegetables that fight premature aging and combat disease. Your body and taste buds will thank you. Elaine Gibson shares her hard-won lessons so you too can lose weight, have more energy, create and renew optimum health. She has been prominently featured during International Raw Food Day 2013, 12 Days of Raw Christmas, GO RAW! and Integrated Health magazines. She is also cited as one of the 10 Most Inspirational Natural Cancer Survivors by Extreme Health Radio and part of the important Quest for the Cures documentary series. For more information, visit RenewedLivingInc.com.

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conference Abena Brown-Elhillali, Ph.D. Kennedy Krieger Institute, Ali Smith The Holistic Life Foundation, Allison Morgan Zensational Kids, Anne Buckley Reen, Anne Desmond Bent on Learning, Aruna Kathy Humphrys Young Yoga Masters, Bari Koral, Brynne Caleda Yoga Ed., Carla Tantillo Mindful Practices, Chelsea Roff Yoga for Eating Disorders, Cheryl Crawford Grounded, Christine DeBerardinis Kennedy Krieger Institute, Christyn Schroeder KidPowerment Yoga, Claire Matthews Yoga Truly, Debby Kaminsky The Newark Yoga Movement, Dee Marie Calming Kids: Creating a Non-violent World, Don Wenig YogaKids, Eddie Stern Director of Ashtanga Yoga New York, Gail Silver Yoga Child Inc., Iona M. Smith Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Jennifer Cohen Harper Little Flower Yoga / The School Yoga Project, Jennifer Robertson Chicago Kids Yoga, Joanne Spence Yoga in Schools, Jodi Komitor Next Generation Yoga / The Biz of Kids Yoga, Karen Gilmour Alluem Yoga, Kathleen Fitzpatrick Alexandria City Public Schools, Kira Willey Fireflies Musical Yoga for Kids, Lauren Anderson Kripalu Yoga and Health Center, Lauren Rubenstein Go Give Yoga, Leah Kalish Move with Me, Lisa Ballo Belightful Yoga, Lisa Flynn Childlight Yoga / Yoga 4 Classrooms, Lissa Sandler Web Presence Academy, Melissa J. Kleinman NYU Langone Medical Center and Hopeful Hearts Child and Family Therapy, Peggy Duffy Miss Fit Girls, Sat Bir S. Khalsa, Ph.D. Harvard, Shakta Kaur Khalsa Radiant Child Yoga, Shari Vilchez-Blatt Karma Kids Yoga , Wendy Piret Move with Me, & more!

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September 2014

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Kamini Desai Explores a Yogic Life

Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery by Linda Sechrist

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amini Desai’s Ph.D.-worthy versatile body of teachings combines her lifelong interests in Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. Trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she develops and leads core programs for Florida’s Amrit Yoga Institute, providing advanced studies dedicated to the science and system of integrated human development. A resident of Salt Springs, Florida, and the Netherlands, she teaches in 10 countries on three continents.

What is a yogic lifestyle? It means being focused on inner peace. Through the study of yoga as a complete science of self-mastery, I’m cultivating the realization of my highest self beyond body and mind. This intention is the director of my unfolding life. I like to use the metaphor of a ship. If this higher self as a wise captain isn’t steadily setting the course at the helm, then on any given day, the happy, sad, grieving, enthusiastic or depressed me will likely be steering my life in a contrary direction and I’ll just be going in circles. In the Integrative Amrit Method of Yoga, along with the integrative method of yoga nidra

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that I practice and teach, my focus is on the release of body energy, rather than any physical pose. Energy is healing. When energy is freed up, it naturally calms the mind and creates a spontaneous, meditative state in which the highest self can be experientially known. To free energy, I attune to the sensations resulting from the physical alignments in any yoga posture. Each pose focuses attention on sensations occurring along the meridian lines in the body, allowing areas that are blocked and limited to open up and energy to optimally flow. Then, in what Amrit yoga describes as the “second half of the posture,” I close my eyes and feel that released energy becoming magnified through my attention. The stronger the energy becomes, the more the mind organically dissolves into a meditative state where mental, emotional and physical healing can happen spontaneously.

What was it like to grow up as the daughter of Yogi Amrit Desai, a well-known guru? I feel blessed that I was exposed to my father’s teachings from a young age. His message that I first embraced was that people and things will always change, and if I rely on either of them for

happiness and peace of mind, I’m depending on the undependable. The need is to find internal stability in the midst of every polarity. My dad, now approaching 82, has always been an example of one whose entire life is about moving towards a changeless state of being and of what it means to remain a nonjudgmental witness to all that happens in life. Still, I had to learn my own lessons.

How have you benefited from yoga? I began studying with my dad when I was 16. Now, at 46, I more fully value the depth of yoga. The longer I practice, the more grateful I am that my mind is less fragmented than it otherwise would be. I’m progressively able to deal with situations that would have sent me over the edge before. I more naturally avoid wasting a lot of mental energy in internalized, “If they say this then I’m going to say that,” conversations. With less mental chatter, I have more energy and stamina to focus on what is in front of me. I can be totally absorbed in each present moment for a deeper sense of fulfillment in what I’m doing.

How do you feel about the Westernization of yoga? Individuals that begin any style of yoga for its physical benefits are off to a good start, but anyone that maintains a regular practice becomes curious about yoga’s other benefits, like relaxation, more peace and a sense of happiness that arises without any apparent cause. Eventually they ask, “Why is this good thing or greater bliss happening to me? What else is there besides postures?” Although everyone eventually learns many life skills, we rarely learn how to live our lives well, manage our emotions and relate to others in ways that create more peace and happiness within. These are the uncaused benefits of yoga that people come to love.

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Mental Health

Say Yes to Yoga It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality by Lynda Bassett

Improved Relationships

ois Parker Carmona first stepped into a yoga studio looking for better physical health. “I was doing hot vinyasa because I wanted to sweat. I wanted to feel better,” she recalls. Many people on a similar quest try yoga for the first time during September’s National Yoga Month (YogaHealth Foundation.org/yoga_month), founded by Johannes Fisslinger. “This year, more than 2,200 yoga studios will offer informative public events or a free week of classes to new students to educate everyone about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle,” says Fisslinger. “Yoga and mindfulness are an essential part of America’s newly emerging health paradigm.” Like many others, as Carmona deepened her practice, she discovered that yoga’s benefits transcend the physical. Then she went further, becoming a certified Baptiste yoga instructor and co-owner of Melrose Yoga, in Melrose, Massachusetts. “Many of us are so busy and consumed with the constant motion of day-to-day activities that we lose complete track of who we are, along with the state of our bodies,” she says. “Yoga reconnects me with myself.” 34

Many experts concur that yoga can be effective in reducing stress. As students continue their practice, they feel less stress and an increased sense of peace and relaxation, along with other mental health benefits. “Yoga gives you what is often called a ‘witness consciousness’,” says John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Being able to observe the external events around you, but not being caught up in the drama. In modern terms, it’s an increased ability to stay cool, calm and collected. After a good yoga class, your troubles can appear further away.”

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Flexibility

One reason that people try yoga is to improve their flexibility. A recent report from Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit association based in Arlington, Virginia, states that it can improve flexibility and mobility and increase range of motion over time as ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen and become more elastic. It also helps relieve muscular tension throughout the body. The Alliance’s Danica Amore notes that flexibility means different things to different people. “A senior might define flexibility as being able to pick up the grandkids, while young people might consider it essential to their athletic abilities.” Flexibility can also mean being able to turn around easily while backing out of the driveway or running with fewer injuries, adds Carmona. Improvements in flexibility generally depend on an individual’s age, health and commitment to practicing yoga, as well as the style chosen. “There are so many different lineages of yoga, and each teacher has his or her own style. Plus, each individual progresses at their own pace,” Amore explains. “It’s really a question of where you want this personal practice to take you and how you embrace it in your private life.” The bottom line is that everyone’s journey is different.

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When stress is reduced, an increased sense of calm tends to permeate all areas of one’s life, observes Kepner. “Based on my experience, yoga also helps improve relationships.” He has taught the same group of students for 10 years and notes their special relationship: “If one goes to the same yoga class regularly, a friendship tends to develop with others in the class, called Songhai. After a while, practicing together becomes one of the most valuable parts of the practice,” he says. This beneficial, deeper sense of community—a major allure of a longterm yoga practice—develops mainly from the intangible sense of working together in terms of physical, mental and spiritual support.

Spirituality and Connectedness

“Even beginning students quickly realize how connecting with their bodies and their breath helps them in their everyday lives,” says Carmona. “It adds a transcendent dimension to everything you do in life.” In addition to its more immediate tangible benefits, other long-term benefits experienced by students may be harder to define or quantify. Carmona observes, “People generally say that yoga has changed their life, physically, mentally and spiritually.” Lynda Bassett is a freelance writer outside Boston, MA. Connect at LyndaBassett@gmail.com.

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Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaigns Thriving in D.C. Region by Ellen Post

he world’s carbon-based economies have a problem. Scientists say we must limit global warming to 2° C to avoid catastrophic climate change. To meet this goal, we can burn only 565 gigatons more carbon. However, the fossil fuel industry has 2,765 gigatons of carbon in their proven reserves—nearly five times the threshold amount—and every day they are searching for more. Simply put, their “business plan” is incompatible with a livable planet. 350 Montgomery County (350MoCo) has joined the national campaign spearheaded by 350.org, led by environmental writer-scholar Bill McKibben, aimed at doing something about this through divestment—the process of pulling institutional investments (here, the MoCo retired employees pension fund) from fossil fuel companies (such as oil and gas or coal producers) in order to cease capitalizing the destruction of the planet. Why divestment? First, it can pack a much-needed political punch. The fossil fuel industry has overwhelming and

disproportionate influence in Congress, preventing elected officials from passing laws that would address climate change by placing a price on carbon pollution. As more and more local governments, universities, and religious institutions choose to divest, the industry will be increasingly stigmatized, creating the political space needed to get climate change legislation passed—meaning less fossil fuels and more solar and other clean renewables. Nelson Mandela said divestment was pivotal in ending apartheid in South Africa, and it can succeed here too. Various institutions, including Stanford University, the University of Dayton, and the Unitarian Universalists USA have made commitments this year alone, while Massachusetts and the District of Columbia (led by D.C. Divest) have pending legislation with many sponsors, to divest their employee pension funds. The momentum is growing and world leaders from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to World Bank President Jim Yong Kim are calling for it.

Divestment also makes economic sense. As the climate worsens, the burning of carbon will have to be curtailed. While stocks are valued based on full exploitation, most known fossil fuel reserves will need to remain in the ground, becoming “stranded assets.” This makes stock prices in this industry potentially greatly overvalued. Will Montgomery County lose money if it divests? No. Not only do studies make clear that divestment doesn’t sacrifice rate of return, the prospect of those stranded assets makes divestment the more prudent approach. And there’s a moral reason too. The U.N. has called climate change “an existential threat to human existence,” and yet the industry’s business plan calls for as much exploration for and development of fossil fuels as possible. It’s time to say we will not be a part of this. 350MoCo is sponsoring a petition urging the county council and county executive to direct the Board of Investment Trustees to make no new investments in the fossil fuel industry and divest the pension funds it oversees of all holdings in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies—currently more than $112 million (and mostly paid for by MoCo taxpayers)—within five years. Formed last April, 350MoCo has hit the ground running, attending climate action events, collecting signatures for their petition, meeting with local leaders and increasing their base of support. Their divestment coalition is growing and includes the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Sierra Club (MoCo), Environment Maryland and others. If you are one of the growing number of people in Montgomery County who realize how important climate change action is and wish you could be involved, this could be your chance! Ellen Post is a retired environmental economist who used to work on air pollution benefits analyses for various EPA offices. She is now a freelance writer, writing on environmental issues and other topics. Her essays can be found at EllenPost.Wordpress.com. For more details and to sign the 350MoCo petition, visit 350moco.org.

natural awakenings

September 2014

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Yoga and Grief

It Can Get You Through The Worst of Times by Yael Flusberg

etting up the mojo to find your mat can be daunting on many days, but it is mission impossible in the midst of grieving the death of a loved one. There is no way to know how long grief will stay or when it will return. Just as often, grief shows up without warning. Grief is often unresolved because we aren’t able to attend to it fully in the aftermath of death. We immerse ourselves in the practicalities, or throw ourselves into whatever it takes to survive the loss. We neither feel safe nor give ourselves sufficient space and time to grieve. I was 13 when my father died suddenly. Two years later, my mother committed suicide. My inner fighter won out over the mourner in me. This wasn’t bad; fighting saved me from the many roads I could have taken—foster care or dropping out or deeper pits of depressions. I could barely fess up to, let alone manage, the range of emotions I experienced—rage, exhaustion, disbelief, pessimism and perhaps the hardest—relief. By my mid-20s, it wasn’t grief exactly that brought me to my mat. Grief was obscured under more pressing concerns— cycles of insomnia, weekly migraines, and bouts of back pain so intense I couldn’t lift my legs high enough to pull pants over them until an hour after getting out of bed. The effects of yoga weren’t immediate. Like a slow-release vitamin, a consistent yoga practice eased my physical symptoms. In retrospect, I see that yoga also curbed my psycho-spiritual load of impulsive, obsessive and self-sabotaging behavior. That in turn led me to learn who I was, beyond the loss I had experienced and indeed, helped me, after years of practice, to be grateful for grief’s teaching. As a yoga therapist, I’m trained to look at the multidimensional nature of people I work with. That means that there isn’t a

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one-size-fits-all-grief-relief yoga practice, nor one place in the body where grief is stored. While grief is individually experienced, there are ways to shape a yoga practice to support along the way. Make space. Spaciousness is a necessary prerequisite for acceptance. Yoga teaches spaciousness through slowing down our breath and movement and being open to whatever comes up in our practice. The same way a cloud accepts everything underneath it, accepting the absolute experience of grief is what allows us to heal. Start with awareness. Jon Kabat-Zinn modified a Burmese meditation practice of “sweeping” to the Western body and developed the body scan, practiced by bringing awareness into each part of your body. Getting out of the head and into the body can help build a deeper intimacy with oneself and be key in unlocking habitual patterns. Less is more. Some people need to charge up their exercise during crises to channel excess energy. Experiment with also doing less physically strenuous styles, such as restorative and yin, which can help you access the relaxation response. Bridge over troubled water. Add a few minutes of breath work, the bridge between the conscious and unconscious. The breath can be a wonderful guide in staying in the body, with difficult emotions, rather than disassociating or following obsessive thoughts. Try three-part breath, alternative nostril breathing or just a gentle extension of the exhale. Massage yourself. Learn to roll around on tennis balls on the floor to release muscular contracture. Keep your heart open. To counterbalance the “shlumping” forward tendency that comes with depression, add in gentle chest openers, such as lying on the floor with a block between your shoulder blades. Strengthen your core. At the same time, cultivate a safe space inside by fortifying the core muscles of the abdominals, side waist and low back. Visualize a Gerber Daisy—letting the core be like a stem—strong, supplying nutrients with the heart an open bloom. Balance your nervous system. Forward folds are especially calming for the nervous system. Change your mind. The yogic concept of grief is that it represents feelings of being separate from Source. Consider integrating meditation—such as yoga nidra, which works at the subconscious level to bring about powerful shifts in belief. Relax when you can. Carmen Calatayud, a hospice bereavement counselor, took up yoga again in 2007 when she was balancing full-time work with managing her mother’s bills and hospital and nursing home stays during an extended illness. “My caffeine-fueled, sleep-deprived body absolutely ached with pain and I cursed my teacher under my breath for the first few months, it hurt so bad.” She stayed with it, eventually practicing two and then three times a week “and lived for savansana.” Savasana, ironically, is Sanskrit for corpse pose. Traditionally, it’s one of the last poses in a yoga class: one lies on the floor, unmoving and plays dead for five to10 minutes. For those dealing with grief, savasana can be helpful in realizing that death isn’t necessarily the worst thing that can happen to those we love, but a natural progression of the life cycle.

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September 2014

leadingedge

Vibration Meditation Reduce Stress and Restore Well-Being by Eric Friedman

he simplest way to restore inner peace and vital energy may be as easy as uttering a vowel sound. Medical doctors and scientific studies are documenting the profound benefits of “vocal toning” as a therapeutic activity that may contribute to reducing stress while at the same time restoring a sense of well-being. Oncologist Dr. Mitchell Gaynor has written a book recording his achievements with the healing power of sound in working with critically ill patients. A national health newsletter reports how our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system responds to stress and is balanced by vocal ton-

ing. Biologists from the University of Missouri have even measured chemical changes in plants in response to specific sound vibrations. The central nervous system automatically seeks to maintain balance and homeostasis. This automatic process is accomplished through the interaction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Dr. David Williams superbly explained this complicated and involuntary process in his recent newsletter. The sympathetic nervous system controls the “fight or flight” reaction to stress by increasing the production of stress hormones, blood pressure,

heart rate and breathing rate. When the source of the stress subsides, the parasympathetic system then has the opposite effect and controls the “rest and digest” reaction to enable the body to recover and restore. It is not necessary to be a rocket scientist to realize that most people are overly consumed by multiple forms of stress which causes the sympathetic nervous system to be in constant overdrive. Unfortunately, the parasympathetic nervous system typically does not have sufficient opportunity to restore balance. According to Williams, the problem is that the body can only rejuvenate and heal when the parasympathetic nervous system is able to restore balance and turn off the “fight or flight” mechanisms. Different meditation techniques have existed for thousands of years and enable the body to restore balance by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system. But it is not necessary to be a Tibetan monk or to remember a complicated chant in order to experience a deep state of relaxation and vitality. The human voice can be a powerful healing tool. Vocal toning combines sound, vibration and breathing to calm and balance the nervous system. Slowly repeating a vowel sound automatically causes the diaphragm to expand, the heart rate to decline and all cells to resonate with varying vibrations. A crystal or “singing” bowl can also

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be used to produce more vibrations and supplement the resonance of the human voice. At its most basic level, life is vibration. When cells cease to be alive, they stop vibrating. When trying to meditate, the human mind has a tendency to act like a playful monkey, constantly jumping from one thought to another rather than settling down. Vocal toning keeps part the mind active while it allows the parasympathetic nervous system to settle into a relaxed state. Vocal toning can resolve tension, release emotion and create personal clarity. While there are no mistakes in vocal toning, it can at first seem strange to sit in a circle making sounds that are not words and have no musical tune. However, the good news is that the potential benefits of vocal toning may be easily experienced firsthand, without the necessity of conducting a double-blind scientific test. For those who are able to sit, breath and make a vowel sound, the stress of the week can be easily transformed into a sense of peaceful energy.

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To find a local group, see the Natural Awakenings calendar section. Eric Friedman is an attorney with a local government consumer protection agency and a member of a small vocal toning group led by Neal Peacock and held twice a month at Unity of Gaithersburg.

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September 2014

healthykids

Kids and Family Yoga in D.C. Nutrition for Body and Mind by Grace Ogden

o you have children in your life? Doing yoga with them can be restorative and fun and, if you take a class, a way to make friends with other parents and kids. Add in the essential brain nutrition that yoga gives children, and you can forever let go of any guilt about ditching housework for a family yoga session. The top two scientifically proven benefits that yoga accrues to children are mood regulation and bonding with parents. Mood regulation increases children’s resilience to stress, making yoga a vital practice to blunt the increasing stress they experience from the demands of globalization, the constant stimulation of media technologies and the decline in physical activity. Yoga helps children listen inwardly to themselves, attuning their minds and bodies and restoring calm and well-being. Researchers are just beginning to study how specific yoga poses affect pediatric mental health. However, yoga’s physical benefits are so well established that it is a respected component of children’s medicine at such prominent hospitals as Mass General, ranked second in the na40

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tion by U.S. News and World Report. “Brain scans show the amygdala vibrations of parent and child synchronize when they do yoga together,” says Soonjo Hwang, M.D., a research fellow in affective cognitive neuroscience at the National Institutes of Health. Bonding with parents is the critical nurturing process that completes the neural wiring in the infant’s limbic system, which in turn becomes the structural foundation of all her or her future emotional learning. Several yoga studios and groups in D.C. have a central commitment to making the benefits of yoga available to children and families. Many residents view them as community hubs of health and support for ethical and compassionate living. Read on to discover how one of these centers might meet your family’s needs. Circle Yoga, headed by Annie Mahon, is located just off Connecticut Avenue, NW, in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of D.C. Among the studio’s many family and adult offerings is a fully established children’s yoga program, Budding Yogis, co-founded and directed by Linda Feldman. Feldman will offer the 20-hour Budding Yogis teacher training October 24 to

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26 for parents, schoolteachers, therapists and others interested in teaching yoga and mindfulness to children. Mindfulness meditation is also an important practice at Circle Yoga, and Mahon guides the small group program, “Year of Mindfulness for Women,” which is enrolling now for the fall. More information can be found at CircleYoga.com. Lil Omm yoga studio is led by Pleasance Silicki, who started by teaching baby and new mom yoga classes in response to a personal longing for deeper connection that arose during her first pregnancy. Her vision of a yoga community that supports the practical needs and spiritual interests of new parents and young children caught on and Lil Omm now serves hundreds of families at its studio in Tenleytown. Their creative array of classes and special events range from breastfeeding to circus-inspired family yoga to the Downward Doll Yoga and Tea Party, which will be held October 18. Child care is offered on-site during adult classes. Find out more at LilOmm.com. Willow Street Yoga (WSY) just marked its 20th anniversary and studio directors Natalie and Joe Miller are the secondgeneration leadership team of this thriving learning community. With neighborhood studios in historic Takoma Park and downtown Silver Spring, WSY offers classes to meet the needs of every kind of body. Kids yoga covers infancy all the way through the teen years, and parents’ classes are often offered simultaneously. A respected center of teacher training that also offers a year-long Living Yoga immersion course, WSY sponsors events about the philosophy of yoga and the stories behind the poses. Find out about their free, upcoming yoga classes at Fenton Market and get other fall schedule details at WillowStreetYoga.com. Other child and family yoga programs targeted to city dwellers are offered by Sariane Leigh (AnacostiaYogi. com) and the Alexandria-based nonprofit organization YoKid that works to make yoga available to underserved and teens (YoKid.org). Grace Ogden is the founder of Grace Productions, which offers transformational consulting and Living Sacred events. www.graceproductions.co See ad, page 32.

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uch like putting two puzzle pieces together doesn’t show the entire picture, healing just one part of a person won’t make them whole. That’s why Hambrock Holistic Healing Center aims to take care of a person’s mind, body and soul—all of which founder, Dr. Connie Hambrock believes interconnect. To achieve the goal of mind, body and soul total wellness, Hambrock Holistic Healing Center is home to an ebb and flow of complementary healers and educators, which currently include a hypnotist, massage therapist, psychotherapist, two estheticians, and most recently, a crystal healer. The practitioners often have training in more than one field, something that emphasizes their approach of total wellness, as it allows for a broader view of what might be ailing an individual. Though it is not always needed, another benefit of the Healing Center is the ability to refer patients to a different treatment without leaving the comfort of the office, which is set up as a nurturing space so individuals will feel comfortable talking about intimate and personal issues. Hambrock says the office is often described to her as feeling like “walk-

ing into someone’s home.” Healing and nurturing are just part of their wellness equation. The other main component is education. Taking cues from the patients themselves, each individual is given a great deal of information on how to lead a lifestyle that keeps their body in tune with both their mind and soul. Increased awareness of alternative healing has resulted in more people coming in with a particular therapy in mind, but each patient at the Healing Center is given time to ensure that they understand what is being done and what they can do for themselves. Hambrock acknowledges that some individuals prefer no extra consultation or to be massaged in silence, and options for those patients are offered.

The Healing Center also educates by offering monthly classes and certifications in several of their healing practices. Classes include professional hypnosis, healing touch certification and crystal therapy, all of which are taught by certified instructors. Jewelry making classes are sometimes held in conjunction with the crystal therapy so individuals can make necklaces targeted to their specific healing needs. The next class offered is “How to Use Crystals with Energy,” Saturday, September 27. In October, an informational open house will be held. Hambrock Holistic Healing Center opened in 2002 as one of Herndon’s first alternative treatment facilities. It continues to set itself apart in a growing field by emphasizing the importance

of relationships—between practitioner and patient, between individuals and the world, and between the mind, body and soul. The center currently has space to expand with another massage therapist and an alternative medicine therapist who want to collaborate and who would complement the whole wellness approach. Location: 297 Herndon Pkwy., Ste. 105. For an appointment or to learn more about the therapies offered, call 571331-9208, email HambrockHolistic@ gmail.com or visit Hambrock HolisticHealing.co. See ad, page 41. Samantha Hudgins is a writing enthusiast and outreach director for Natural Awakenings DC.

natural awakenings

September 2014

practitionerspotlight

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rom generations of healers, Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil brings a unique blend of healing modalities to patients from all over the Washington D.C. region. Beyond healing the body, Dr. Muwwakkil also tends to the spirit while bringing knowledge to those who seek training in different traditional healing modalities. His mother and generations of grandmothers were healers and typically passed the knowledge down to daughters, but Muwwakkil’s mother understood her son’s gifts and encouraged him to seek his own path as a healer. Muwwakkil has been a healer since the early 1970s, training and developing his skills in complementary

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health care (functional medicine) and specifically working as an acupuncturist, herbalist and massage therapist. He has earned degrees, including a Ph.D. in nutrition from the American Holistic College of Nutrition and has studied Asian medicine, acupuncture, tai chi and herbology with Dr. Yong Ching and Master Heg Robinson, earning a Diplomat of Acupuncture from the College of Acupuncture and Therapeutics. His unique journey through different types of training enables Muwwakkil to bring a broad range of techniques when he approaches a patient. While there are many who practice acupuncture in the United States, he is one of the

few who offer Tui Na, a traditional form of Chinese Medicine. Many of the forms of body work which are so prevalent today including chiropractics, osteopathy and massage therapy are traced back to this healing therapy which has been practiced for the past 3,000 years. Originally from China, Tui Na is a modality that allows the body to open itself and allow for the energy, to flow through the body so that the body creates a balance. It has been said and documented that it can be more powerful than acupuncture because acupuncture only moves qi whereas Tui Na moves qi, blood, body fluids, and the skeletal structure. There are no needles in Tui Na. Rather, the doctor uses more than 100 hand manipulations to impact the same meridians, points and pathways that an acupuncturist uses. By using the hand manipulations, the doctor can manipulate, open and stretch the body so that the patient is able to receive the energy. Muwwakkil typically uses acupuncture and Tui Na simultaneously to bring the greatest effect on his patients. Combined, his patients find great success when dealing with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia and recovery from strokes and recovery (up to 85 percent range of motion). He also offers a program that is completely unique to the area (but not to other parts of the world) called the Shin Treatment, used to help patients to relax and balance and is particularly effective on patients dealing with depression and autism. Dr. Muwwakkil treats patients but is equally interested in sharing his knowledge with a new generation of healers. He offers many classes and talks for patients as well as training, including a three-year program in Tui Na, which includes a 10day course at the Academy of Chinese Medicine in Beijing.

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September 2014

inspiration

Your Path to Destiny Its Your Choice — to Accept or Chose to Shape Your Fate by HawaH

remember walking to the bus stop. Hot pavement under my feet and towering thin transparent clouds forming an inadequate barrier between the pumping fists of the sun. I need to get to work. Sweat is already dripping down my chin while I gaze upon the half-tilted faded metal bus stop sign a block away. It peers at me from the distance, posing as both finish line and starting point to a new race. Ahead at the bus stop, I see an unorganized huddle of bodies, a few of whom are singing email to their smart pads. A few sit on a wooden bench, staring out the hazy Plexiglas of the bus stop awning. I check my watch and see that I’m running ahead of schedule. The bus still shouldn’t be coming for at least five more minutes. At that same instance, I hear the sound of the big tires rolling up behind me. The punched-in sound of a clutch cranking into the floor, the shaking of windows as the big tires

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dipped into a small pothole. I quickly turn my head and see the bus rolling up behind me. There is no traffic to slow it down. I’m about a block away from the bus stop and frozen stuck between two salient options. The first is to stand there and surrender my fate to the universe. I repeat to myself, “Oh well. I guess this was just not my morning and the universe didn’t want me to catch the bus today.” It seems from the moment I opened the fridge and found that there was no more milk for the cereal that destiny today was already written. The second option before me was to take my bag, hold onto it a bit tighter and start running up the block. This option presented an interesting predicament. It didn’t guarantee that I would catch the bus, but it engaged my will so that it would not have to breathe in the exhaust of resignation. The contemplation on choice is sometimes the toughest part of any day. The universe provided some con-

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text here to make it a bit harder for me to catch the bus, yet still I can act now to change the situation. The bus came ahead of schedule, but my reaction is what is powerful and in my control. My reaction could be to blame it on the universe—to say I guess it just wasn’t meant to happen for me this morning. Or, the other route could be—I lift my feet, pick up my heels and start running. My destiny is my choice. Each moment of my life, I am setting into motion a series of succeeding moments that will ultimately shape my future. It is also my choice to leave my destiny up to the universe, to give the universe full discretion over my life. Or, I can choose to shift my thought and embrace the knowledge that I am the universe. When this happens, what I previously would blame on “destiny” is actually something I understand is actually how I decide to play the hand that I was dealt. The choice is mine. The choice is yours. The choice is ours. This is your path to destiny. You can make all the excuses you want, or, you can start to shape today. HawaH has authored four books and produced three documentary films. He is co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization One Common Unity.

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September 2014

calendarofevents

restorative postures, pranayama, and meditation. $35. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Your Five Faces of God (Introductory Audio Lecture) – 7:30-8:30pm. Accunect® founder offers keen insights into the five aspects of our being by helping us understand the relationship between our organs and our emotions. iEmbrace Wellness, Centreville, VA. Register: iEmbraceWellness.com. Info: 571-232-9979.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 GYROKINESIS – 12-1:30pm. Through Sept 5. Master Trainer Hsiao-fang Lee will teach a 90 minute GYROKINESIS class - gain strength, flexibility and increased body awareness. $25. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com.

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Through September 18

FREE Register: TheCuretoCancerSummit.com/dap/a/?a=1998.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Prenatal On-the-Go – 9:30-10:30am. In this 6-week session learn the fundamentals of prenatal vinyasa, breathwork, and meditation in a semiprivate class. $100. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com. Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) – 7pm. GIG is a national organization providing information to people who suffer from gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease. Led by Babette LaMarre, NTP, Branch Manager for GIG of NOVA. Neck, Back, and Beyond Conf Room, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@ gmail.com. The Angels Love You – 7-9pm. Through Sept 25. You are invited to embark on a four-week journey of light-filled connections with the angels. $80. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHCcom. Info: 703-392-9200.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Osteoporosis Support Group – 12-1pm. Join Physical Therapist Justine Bernard and GYROTONIC instructor Peta Middleton to learn the latest research on osteoporosis and ways to improve bone health. Free. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Lama Norbu Returns: The Five Vajras of Tibetan Yoga – 6:30-9:30pm. Tibetan yoga is an ancient and powerful purification practice which takes one

Washington, D.C.

beyond limitations and beliefs, helping to break through perceived barriers with deep love and compassion. Employing yantra, mudra and mantra, you will be guided to balance the five elements of your body—fire, earth, water, wind, and space. No prior yoga experience is necessary. East Meets West Yoga Center, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Register: 703-356-YOGA (9642) or EastMeetsWestCenter.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Hands On, Respectful, Chemical Free Beekeeping – 10am-12pm. Combine, Condense or Create a Nuc. All ages welcome. Our bees are gentle, but stings are a possibility. Bring your own veil, if you want. $50. Azure B LLC, 4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD. Register: Info@AzureBLLC.com or AzureBLLC.com. Healing with Crystals – 10am-2pm. Crystals in and of themselves are beautiful, but being able to use them in your daily life for healing on all levels makes them exquisite. $40. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: 703-392-9200. Gluten Free (GF) Living Workshop – 1-5pm. Interactive, handouts, taste-testing, Q and A. For newbies and veterans, covering: the history of wheat and how it affects the body, the importance of blood sugar regulation and more. $85 with a $25 deposit. Neck, Back, and Beyond Conf Room, Ste 204, Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com. The Five Vajras of Tibetan Yoga – 2-5pm. Tibetan yoga is an ancient and powerful purification practice which takes one beyond limitations and beliefs, helping to break through perceived barriers with deep love and compassion. $40. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/ XI5Pfu. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. DC Supersonic Kirtan All-Stars Band – 6:309pm. Come chant with us and stick around for free vegan cookies afterwards. Kids are welcome. Chant sheets for the mantras are always provided. $10-$15 suggested cash donation. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/1quENuw. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Lama Norbu Returns: The Five Vajras of Tibetan Yoga – 2-5pm. See Sept 5 for details. East Meets West Yoga Center, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Register: 703-356-YOGA (9642) or EastMeetsWestCenter.com. Transcendental Meditation Program for PTS – 3-4:40pm. It’s easy to learn and practice, cultural neutral and effective at reducing stress. TM meditation is evidence based and excellent as adjunctive therapy for PTS. Bethesda TM Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, North Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-770-5690 or Bethesda@TM.org. Info: TM.org. Yin Yoga: Energize, Balance, and Restore – 6:158:15pm. A meditative practice includes yin and

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Infant Massage – 5:15-6:15pm. In this three-week session, enjoy individualized instruction and support while you practice massage on your baby. $100. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Bird Walk with The Nature Conservancy – 7-9:30am. Join The Nature Conservancy for a bird walk on the C&O Canal at Pennyfield Lock. The Maryand/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, C&O Canal -- Pennyfield Lock. Register: Karion@ TNC.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Access Consciousness Bars Workshop – 10am6pm. Learn Access Bars with an Access certified Facilitator, receive 2 Bars sessions, run 2 Bars Sessions, receive a comprehensive manual and charts to become a practitioner. Gina Maybury, 8996 Burke Lake Rd, Ste L101, Burke, VA. RSVP: 703-6290925 or 703Change@gmail.com. Feng Shui: Wealth on the 12th – 12-1pm. Learn how to enhance your personal wealth sector in your home and office, and make a feng shui Wealth Vase to attract money and prosperity. $10. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: (703)392-9200. Osteoporosis Prevention and Care – 12-1pm. Fridays through Oct 3. GYROTONIC instructor Peta Middleton will teach exercises that are safe for people with osteoporosis and that are designed to help improve balance and increase bone density and health. $100/all four classes or $35/class. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Heart-Mind Curriculum Training – 6:30-9:30pm. Through Sept 14. With Kate Janke. The Heart Mind Curriculum is a complete teaching guide for educators, parents, and therapists to teach secular mindfulness meditation to grades K-12. $250. MINDS, Incorporated at Carderock Springs Swim and Tennis Club, 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct, Bethesda, MD. Register: EventBrite.com/e/ Heart-Mind-Curriculum-Training-with-Kate-JankeTickets-12026095375. Info: MindsIncorporated.org. Vocal Toning - Vibration Meditation – 7:308:30pm. Amazing simple, yet peacefully powerful. Close eyes and resonate vowel sounds with crystal bowl to release stress and rejuvenate body and soul. See descriptive article this issue. $5 donation. Unity of Gaithersburg, 111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: UnityofGaithersburg.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Access Consciousness Foundation – 9am-5pm.

Through Sept 14. Learn Access Consciousness Foundation with Certified Facilitator, Heather Von Kurtze. Gina Maybury, 8996 Burke Lake Rd, Ste L101, Burke, VA. RSVP: 703-629-0925 or 703Change@gmail.com. Accunect® SelfCare Workshop – 10am-2pm. Learn simple, easy, yet powerful energy medicine techniques to improve your health, manage stress, balance your body, and help injuries heal faster. The technique can be done on yourself, your family, your friends, even your pets. $95. iEmbrace Wellness, Centreville, VA. Register: iEmbraceWellness.com. Info: 571-232-9979.

specialevent Introduction to Quantum Prayer

Introduction on how to access and utilize Quantum Prayer in your own life to manifest, create, heal, prosper, and even discover your own life purpose.

September 13, 10am-12pm. $50 Register: MakaioLight.com/Event-Schedule.html. Dr. Joshua Kai, ND / Makaio Light Medicine LLC™ Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, 3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA. Reiki First Degree Healing – 10am-5pm. Learn to practice Reiki over two weekends this fall, Sept. 1314 and Oct. 11-12. Taught by Reiki master Pamela Miles. $595. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Register: MUIH.edu. Info: Events@MUIH.edu. Swift Arrow Performance-Traditional Native Ceremonial Dance, Story Telling, Flute and Round Dancing – 3-4:30pm. EarthLight Promotions brings Robert Swift Arrow Rose to share Traditional Native Ceremonial Dancing, Flute, Singing, Round Dance and Story Telling. $25. EarthLight Promotions LLC at Shaman Manin’s, Woodbridge, VA. Register: 703-401-9663 or BeverlyNickerson@comcast.net. Info: EarthLightPromotions.com. Open Your Hips, Low Back and Heart: Playful Monkey Tales of Hanuman – 4-6pm. Releasing the full potential of the hips and low back leads to remembrance of our innate and transcendent awareness, creativity, and happiness. $35. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/1ocC5aS. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center Open House – 4-9pm. Enjoy Robert “Swift Arrow” Rose from Cherokee Nation of Indians as he shares indigenous wisdom and planetary healing through storytelling, friendship songs and flute playing. $15 (suggested donation). Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: 703-392-9200.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Asana Lab: Building a Strong Foundation – 2-4:30pm. The heart of a strong and beautiful asana practice begins beating in the standing poses, first on the feet, then on the head, hands, and shoulders. In this first clinic, we will work rigorously in the traditional standing postures and inversions. $35. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/1urgr6y. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

Science and Spirituality: Awakening the Mind Body Connection – 2-5pm. An afternoon with renowned scientist, author and spiritual teacher, Joan Borysenko, who will share “Embodied Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science”. Program includes holistic mini-expo, meditation, and light refreshments. $49/advance or $59/door. Sanctuary Retreat Center at Adat Shalom 7727 Persimmon Tree Ln, Bethesda, MD. Register: SanctuaryRetreatCenter.com. Info: Dr. Gilah Rosner at Gilah@Am-Kolel.org. Yoga and Meditation – 7-8pm. In this three-week series, learn to integrate classical yoga postures and traditional meditation practices. All levels. $45. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Itsy Bitsy Baby Yoga – 12-1pm. In this six-week session, learn unique postures designed to support baby’s development and connection. $150. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com. Graduate Programs Open House – 7-9pm. Explore Maryland University of Integrative Health’s academic offerings in health and wellness and learn how our programs can advance and inspire your career. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Register: MUIH. edu. Info: Admissions@MUIH.edu.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria Chapter September meeting – 7-9pm. Find support for natural lifestyle choices and mindful parenting. Check our blog for this month’s topic and for more information. Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria chapter at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA. Info: 571-4518273 or HolisticMomsArlAlex@gmail.com or HolisticMomsArlAlex.blogspot.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

specialevent 5RHYTHMS

Dance/Movement Practice: Write in the Beat With Margaret H. Wagner, 5Rhythms certified teacher. Using the energy fields of the 5Rhythms, participants weave dancing with stream-of-consciousness writing to open creative pathways and trust the poetry of each own voice. Perfect for published authors and part-time punsters, as well as those just wanting to stretch the imagination in their little toes.

September 19, 8-10:30pm September 20, 11am-5pm Friday: $20 cash at the door (or $10 for newcomers, $15 for students, ages 65 and up)

Saturday: $115 (early bird discounts available) Carderock Springs Swim & Tennis Club 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct, Bethesda, MD Info: DanceInTheUSA.com or 5Rhythms.com, or SueGreen301@yahoo.com or call 301-448-6243

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Foundations of Medicinal Herbalism – 9am5:30pm. A herbal education series to empower community herbalists, held once a month for 10 months. $1500. Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine. Register: Green.Comfort@gmail.com. Info: 540937-4283 or GreenComfortHerbSchool.com. Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training – 9am-6pm. Through Sept 21 and two sessions in Oct. This prenatal yoga teacher training is a therapeutic program so that you can safely and effectively teach yoga to pregnant and postpartum women. Composed of three weekend modules. $1200/before Sept 13 and $1400/after Sept 13. East Meets West Yoga Center, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Register: 703-356-9642 or Dawn@EastMeetsWestCenter.com or EastMeetsWestCenter.com. Quantum-Touch Level 1 Workshop – 9am-5pm. Through Sept 21. Learn to: accelerate healing, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, reduce stress and more. Address the root cause of disease and create space for true healing. CEU’s available. Miriam Hunter, 8996 Burke Lake Rd, Ste L101, Burke, VA. RSVP: 202-361-7321 or MiriamHunter@ verizon.net. Hands-On Assists: Workshops for Yoga Teachers – 10:45am-1:45pm (Module One) and 2:45-5:45 (Module Two). Module One: Hands-on Assists for Standing Poses and Sun Salutations. Module Two: Hands-On Assists for Forward Folds and Twists. $40 for each workshop individually or $65 for both. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/1ntg99j. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Let Your Yoga Dance – 5:30-7:30pm. Explore the chakras and international dance. All levels. $30. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Fix Your Mood with Food, Book presentation and Signing – 2-4pm. With author Heather Lounsbury. Fix Your Mood with Food uses the methods practiced in Chinese medicine to improve mood naturally. By focusing on the whole individual, rather than an isolated affliction, it is designed to cure the entire body. $10. Buddha B Yoga Center, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: Bit.ly/UFUWCI. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

TUESDAY, SEPETEMBER 23 Mindfulness Meditation for Well-Being and Happiness – 7-8:30pm. Six-week class meets Tuesdays, Sept. 23 – Oct. 28. Learn to cultivate and deepen your mindfulness practice under the guidance of a highly experienced instructor. $220. Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7750 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD. Register: MUIH.edu. Info: Events@ MUIH.edu.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Movie Night – 7pm. Take Back Your Power, a film by Josh del Sol on how to minimize EMF exposure in your daily life. $5. Neck, Back, and Beyond at the Mosby building, 10560 Main St, PH-1 (top floor), Fairfax, VA. Register: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackandBeyond@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 National Kids Yoga Conference - Kick Off Dinner – 6-9pm. Intimate, fun kick off dinner with the

natural awakenings

September 2014

Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

best and brightest in Kids Yoga. Dinner, music, and mingling. $45. YoKid and Lil Omm at George Washington University School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, DC. Register: KidsYogaConference.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 Accunect® SelfCare Workshop – 1-5pm. Learn simple, easy, yet powerful energy medicine techniques to improve your health, manage stress, balance your body, and help injuries heal faster. The technique can be done on yourself, your family, your friends, even your pets. $95. iEmbrace Wellness, Centreville, VA. Register: iEmbraceWellness.com. Info: 571-232-9979.

Vocal Toning - Vibration Meditation – 7:308:30pm. See Sept 12 for details. $5 donation. Unity of Gaithersburg, 111 Central Ave, Gaithersburg, MD. Info: UnityofGaithersburg.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 National Kids Yoga Conference – 7am-7pm. The National Kids Yoga Conference will bring leaders in kids yoga together with educators, yoga teachers, mental health workers, and people who care about kids. $195. YoKid.org and Lil Omm at George Washington University School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, DC. Register: NKYC2014. EventBrite.com. Access Consciousness Level 1 – 9am-5pm. Through Sept 28. Learn Access Consciousness Level 1 with Certified Facilitator, Heather Von Kurtze. Gina Maybury, 8996 Burke Lake Rd, Ste L101, Burke, VA. RSVP: 703-629-0925 or 703Change@ gmail.com. Real Lyme Solutions – 9am-4pm. Learn 6 affordable solutions to help with brain fog, gut health, joint pain, and balancing emotions. $47. Family Health Thermal Imaging & Detox, 427A Carlisle Dr, Herndon, VA. Register: 703-635-6324. Oneness-Family School AppleFest and Open House – 9:30am-2pm. Apple Fest is an annual event for the whole family featuring food, games, face painting, raffles, and a moon bounce. Oneness-Family School, 6701 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase MD. Info: 301-652-7751 or OnenessFamily.org. Master Jivamukti Yoga Class – 11am-1:30pm. Two-and-a-half-hour Master Yoga Class with Jivamukti Founder Sharon Gannon. $80/person and includes 1 copy of Sharon Gannon’s new book Simple Recipes for Joy: More than 200 Delicious Vegan Recipes. Buddha B Yoga Center at Washington Convention Center. Register: Bit.ly/SharonG927LunchBookSigning. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Chesapeake Herb Gathering – 12pm-12pm. Through Sept 28. Enjoy a family friendly day of workshops, plant walks, local vendors, and networking with local medicine makers, teachers, clinicial herbalists, healers, botanists, farmers, and more. $65. Centro Ashé Herbs and Education at Melwood Recreation Center, 9035 Ironside Rd, Nanjemoy, MD. Register: CentroAshe.org/Chesapeake-HerbGathering.html. iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Yoga Nidra helps us to relax and live centered lives and will help you to rest, balance, restore and tap into new sources of energy. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter.org. Grow Sprouts and Micorgreen in Your Home Year Round – 2-5pm. Learn the importance of soaking/sprouting and receive supplies to create your own starter kit. $75. Raw Living D’Light, 11109 Byrd Dr, Fairfax, VA. Register: 571-4712891 or Luzy@RawLivingDLight.com. Managing Stress and Self-Energizing – 2-6pm. Learn about your body’s electromagnetic energy

Washington, D.C.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

field and body computer, and a fascinating and fun way to quickly and easily access information from it. Apply this technique to determine which foods do/don’t support your health and wellbeing. Limited space. Register now. Creative Holistic Integration (CHI), 2975 Hunters Branch Rd, Fairfax, VA. Register: 571-422-6734 or chisuchinta@yahoo.com or chisuchinta.com/schedules.html. Simple Recipes for Joy Banquet-Style Buffet Luncheon, Talk and Book Signing Party – 2-4pm. Luncheon featuring delicious vegan recipes from Jivamukti co-founder Sharon Gannon’s new book Simple Recipes for Joy. $50/person. Budda B Yoga Center at Washington Convention Center. Register: Bit.ly/SharonG927Class. Info: BuddaBYoga.com. Rest Back into Ease: Yoga Nidra – 4:15-5:15pm. With Shira Oz-Sinai. iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation has been clinically proven to decrease symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. Relaxing and healing. No physical exercise. $25/advance or $30/drop-in. Crossings, 8505 Fenton St, Ste 202, Silver Spring, MD. Info: 240-839-1661 or Shira@AwakenMyHeartNow.com or AwakenMyHeartNow.com. Kirtan for Everyone – 6-8pm. Raise your vibrations through chanting mantras. All levels. By donation. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LilOmm.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Bird Walk with The Nature Conservancy – 7-9:30am. Join The Nature Conservancy for a bird walk at Hughes Hollow/McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Montgomery County, MD. The Maryland/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Hughes Hollow/McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area. Register: Karion@TNC.org.

Bird Walk with The Nature Conservancy – 7-9:30am. Join The Nature Conservancy for a bird walk on the Blue Mash Nature Trail in Montgomery County, MD. The Maryland/DC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Blue Mash Nature Trail in Gaithersburg, MD. Register: Karion@TNC.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Intensive Life Coaching Training – Through Oct 19. Guide clients to discover their life purpose, or provide business, career, relationship, health or spiritual coaching with intensive training through the Life Purpose Institute. A proven process. RSVP: 858-484-3400 or LifePurposeInstitute.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD: Study with a Modern Day Master – 6:30-9pm. In this inspiring lecture and workshop, grounded in time-tested wisdom, you’ll discover the promise hidden in the Yoga Sutra, and gather the tools and means to experience the missing element of your practice. It will be like the Himalayas coming right to your doorstep. East Meets West Yoga Center, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Register: 703-356-YOGA (9642) or EastMeetsWestCenter.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Mindful Parenting Course – 9:30-11:30am. With Trisha Stotler. This six-week course will introduce mindfulness and provide resources to help incorporate these practices into your daily and family life. $275 (on sale until October 16). Minds, Incorporated at Emmaus United Church of Christ, 900 Maple Ave East, (Corner of Rt 123 and Westbriar Dr), Vienna, VA. Register: EventBrite.com/e/Mindful-ParentingCourse-with-Trisha-Stotler-Tickets-12349765481. Info: MindsIncorporated.org.

Stop the Pain I Want to Get Off : Fibromyalgia – 7-9pm. Dr. Akmal Muwwakkil discusses the nutritional deficiencies associated with the pain of fibromyalgia. He also introduces the healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine for fibromyalgia. $20. Healen Arts Acupuncture Wellness Studio, LLC, 4230-A Forbes Blvd, Lanham, MD. Register: HealenArts.net.

Healing From the Heart: Accunect® Connect – 6:30-9:30pm. Through Oct 19. Sat and Sun 9am-5:30pm. Learn a powerful love infused healing system in one weekend. Accunect combines ancient healing wisdom with modern neuroscience to create a standalone healing system that anyone can use. Come and be transformed. $540 (with reader discount). iEmbrace Wellness (local) for Future Medicine Today, Northern VA (exact venue TBD). Register: iEmbraceWellness.com. Info: 571-232-9979.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Advanced Meditation Seminar – 6:30-9:30pm. Thru Oct 4. Experiential in nature, this seminar takes the student deep into realms of personal awareness and integration with the universal field of awareness–ultimate consciousness. $149/workshop. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100,

Ageless Health 2014 – 8am-5pm. Proven Tools to Maximize Your Health/Ageless Health is the most effective way of learning how to create a healthcare plan that will change your life. $99. Roselle Center for Healing at Fairview Park Marriott, Falls Church, VA. Register: AgelessHealth2014.com.

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ongoingevents

tuesday

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Beginners and Beyond – 8:30-10am. The ageold Indian practice blends classic poses with meditation, chants and breathe work in order to stimulate the nervous and glandular systems. When used in sequences, the elements can stimulate weight loss and help practitioners adjust their spin. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. Meditation – 9-10am. Open to all levels of practice. Donation. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Info: 703-356-9642 or Dawn@EastMeetsWestCenter. com or EastMeetsWestCenter.com. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 10-11am. Gyrotonic pulley tower group class, aims to improve flexibility while also increasing strength and muscle tone. $2535/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Register: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com or ElementsCenter.com. Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am-12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation, and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Dropins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. West African Dance – 11:30am-12:30pm. Throughout the African continent, dance and music have long been a part of the collective culture, bringing people together for praise, celebration, motivation, and healing. Immerse yourself in this beautiful experience as you learn dances from Guinea and Mali, West Africa. Accompanied by live drumming. $18. MamaSita Studio, 6906 4th St, NW. Info: GoMamaSita.org. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 12-1pm. A gentle yoga class that encourages and nurtures warrior women from brand new beginners to experienced yoginis undergoing treatment for and in remission from cancer. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Circle Yoga, 3838 Northampton St, NW. Info: 202-686-1104 or CircleYoga.com. Sunday iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation – 6-7pm. Dubbed “Sleep of the Yogi”, this meditation is easy, relaxing, and has been clinically proven to decrease symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, chronic 9pain, and depression. $20. OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver

Spring, MD. Register: AwakenMyHeartNow. com/Sunday-Yoga-Nidra-Sessions.html

monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Yoga – 6:30-8pm. A fluid contemplation in motion and balance of breath, this yoga class nurtures harmony of mind and body as we work with alignment and awareness, deep stretching and relaxation for a revitalizing experience. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Discussion group focused on returning to love through the study of A Course in Miracles. New members are definitely welcome. Rising Phoenix Holistic Center, LLC, 9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA. Register: RisingPhoenixHC.com. Info: 703-392-9200. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 7-8:15pm. Weekly meditative, gentle and restorative yoga using mindful movement, balance and breathing techniques to reduce anxiety, improve quality of life, and regain sense of self. Scholarships available. $7. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Register: Sibley.org/CancerSupport. Info: 202243-2320 or Pgoetz4@jhmi.edu. Classic Kundalini Yoga – 7:15-8:45pm. The age-old Indian practice blends classic poses with meditation, chants and breath work in order to stimulate the nervous and glandular systems. When used in sequences, the elements can stimulate weight loss and help practitioners adjust their spin. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com.

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15 am. See Monday for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Beginners and Beyond – 9:45-11am. See Sunday for details. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. Open-Level GYROTONIC® Group – 1-2pm. $25-35/session. See Sunday for details. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com or ElementsCenter.com. Meet the Locals – 4-7pm. 2nd Tues. Come sample products from our favorite local vendors while you enjoy a glass of beer or wine, on the second Tuesday of every month. Free. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386. Hoop Jam – 6:45-8:15pm. With Noelle Powers. Lift your spirits and get a full-body workout accompanied by a super hoop-friendly soundtrack. All ages and skill levels are welcome at this drop in jam. A lesson for those interested is presented in the first half hour of jam, and the remaining hour is self-directed. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Beginners and Beyond – 7-8:30pm. See Sunday for details. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. Conscious Manifesting – 7-9pm. 2nd and 4th Tues. Come manifest and create abundance, joy and success in the “Theta” state together with the powerful energy of the group. Includes a brief introduction to thetahealing and how we work with it here. $40/online or $45/at the door. Joyous Vibrations LLC at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, 222 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA. Register: JoyousVibrations.com. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. Refresh and rejuvenate with a free community service initiative to introduce people to breathing and meditation techniques that have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress. In this 60-minute interactive session, participants develop insight on how to reduce negative emotions that eat up our energy and time. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure.ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx.

Tai Chi – 8-9pm. Learn and enjoy peaceful slow movements, balance, and meditation, this class is for youth and adults who will study the movements of Tai Chi Chun long form. Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for health benefits, self control, and relaxation. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Monday for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Yoga Level 1 and 2 – 8:30-9:30pm.Starts with warm-upsrelaxing the joints and connecting with the breath then building heat with vinyasa flow. Close with restorative poses and guided meditation. $20/drop in. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Info: 301986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

Pilates – 8:30-9:30am. This Pilates mat class is suitable for students who are new to pilates or who have already been introduced to the method. The first two classes will focus on fundamental concepts in pilates and each week will build on the last. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

wednesday

natural awakenings

September 2014

Advanced GYROTONIC® Group – 1011am. For clients with a significant amount of experience in the GYROTONIC method. $25-35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com or ElementsCenter.com. Farmers’ Market – 11am-2pm. Every week the farmers’ market transforms itself as different fruits and vegetables become available throughout the season. Your pick of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, bedding plants, cut flowers, preserves, honey, herbs, baked goods, and more. Free. Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: DawsonsMarket.com/Farmers-Market. Tai Chi/KiGong – 12:10-1pm. Experience DahnMuDo, derived from the ancient tradition of Korean healing and martial arts forms. It can be literally translated as “the art of being limitless.” While many DahnMuDo forms can be physically challenging, it is gentle enough to be practiced by anyone of any age. $20. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. See Mon for details. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. West African Dance – 7-8pm. See Monday for details. $18. MamaSita Studio, 6906 4th St, NW, DC. Info: GoMamaSita.org. Free Health Lecture – 7-8:30pm. (Q and A until 9pm.) 1st and 3rd Wed. Free Education Health Lectures at the Roselle Center for Healing (Various Topics). The Roselle Center for Healing & Caring For Others, Ltd, 8550 Arlington Blvd, Ste 325, Fairfax, VA. Register: RoselleCare.com.

thursday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Gentle Kundalini Yoga – 9:30-11am. See Wednesday for details. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. FreshFarm Market at Penn Quarter – 3-7pm. Delicious locally grown fruits, veggies, cut flowers, plants, handmade soaps, meats, cheeses, eggs and more are available every week. Market is open rain, snow or shine. All EBT customers and WIC/Senior coupons customers will receive Double Dollar coupons to match their EBT dollars or WIC/Senior coupons redeemed up to $10. North end of 8th St, NW (between D and E sts, NW). Info: 202-362-8889. Rockville Meditation Free Consultation – 5:30pm. The Rockville Meditation center offers unlimited guided meditation sessions daily. The method of subtraction focuses on completely getting rid of emotional discomfort which is found within the mind as pictures. Rockville Meditation, 11601 Nebel St, Rockville, MD. Info: 301-7707778 or RockvilleMeditation@gmail.com or RockvilleMeditation.org.

Washington, D.C.

Energy Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Classes use meridian stretching and tapping to open the energy flow, breathing postures to circulate and accumulate energy, and energy meditation to deepen your inner connections. $20. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Wine Down – 6:30-8:30pm. Relax and unwind after work at Dawson’s Market on Thursday Nights. Listen to live acoustic music and sample wine and food. $5 for 4 tastings, other items vary but are always a great value. (*Must be 21+ and show valid ID for wine tasting.) Dawson’s Market, 225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD. Info: 240-428-1386. Classic Kundalini Yoga – 7-8:30pm. See Sunday for details. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. See Tuesday for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure. ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx. Meditation and Mindfulness: Tools for Alleviating Stress after a Cancer Diagnosis – 7-8pm. Join other cancer survivors to learn about and practice a relaxation technique that focuses on breathing. Facilitated by Ashley Nunn, MA. This practice has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness and in improving sleep and boosting the immune system. Family members and caregivers welcome. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Info: Sibley.org/Community/Events/default.aspx.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15 am. See Monday for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Yoga for People Living With Cancer and Their Caregivers – 2-3pm. A relaxing hour of yoga taught by yoga therapist Yael Flusberg. The class combines breathwork, gentle movement and guided visualization. GW University Hospital, 900 23rd St, NW. RSVP: Jennifer Bires, 202-7412218 or JBires@Mfa.Gwu.edu. Community Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Community classes are mixed level, one-hour asana classes taught by a rotating selection of Unity Woods teachers. They are offered by different teachers every Friday of the session. $8/class. Unity Woods Yoga Center. 4853 Cordell Ave, Ste PH9, Bethesda, MD. Info: UnityWoods.com.

physical exercise. $20. Blue Heron Wellness, 10723-B Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD. Info: 240-839-1661 or Shira@AwakenMyHeartNow. com or AwakenMyHeartNow.com.

saturday Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. A producer-only farmers’ market that supplies the Mount Pleasant neighborhood with local fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cakes, flowers, plants and prepared foods. Some producers are certified organic or use chemicalfree methods, and the meat and dairy is free range. Producers are all located within 125 miles of Washington DC. Lamont Park, corner of 17th and Lamont, NW. Info: Mtpfm.org. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 9am. See Sunday for details. $25-35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com or ElementsCenter.com. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 10am. See Sunday for details. $25-35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com or ElementsCenter.com. Beginners and Beyond – 10:30am-12pm. See Sunday for details. New students get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30. Raj Yoga, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr, Unit 160, Sterling VA. Info: 703-376-3433 or RajYoga.com. Gyrokinesis Group Class – 11am-12pm. Group class starting on stools, moving to the floor and finishing with a standing series. $15-18. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ElementsCenter.com. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 11am12pm. See Sunday for details. $25-35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: FrontDesk@ ElementsCenter.com or ElementsCenter.com. Adoption Event – 12-3pm. Rural Dog Rescue holds its weekly adoption event every Saturday at Howl to the Chief. Fosters and Volunteers Needed. Howl to the Chief, 733 8th St, SE. Info: RuralDogRescue.com. Introduction to the Transcendental Meditation Program: the technique for inner peace and wellness – 6:30-8pm. See Wednesday for details. Bethesda TM Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Ste 408, North Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-7705690 or Bethesda@TM.org. Info: TM.org.

Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 6:307:30pm. Join Amy Dara for a gentle class designed for women undergoing treatment or who are in remission from cancer. We will include breathing, stretching, balancing, and healing yoga sequences appropriate during and after cancer treatment. Our safe and nurturing space welcomes new beginners to experienced yogis alike. $10. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Info: LilOmm.com.

Mid-Summer Wine Festivals – 2-7pm. 3rd Sat. Hosted by Milk Lady Markets, the MidSummer Wine Festival is a series of monthly wine tastings held the 3rd Saturdays of JuneOctober in Silver Spring, MD. Featuring local and national wineries and vineyards. $39. Milk Lady Markets at Silver Spring B & O Station, 8100 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 301471-1976 or MilkLadyMarkets@gmail.com or MilkLadyEvents.org/2014/06/27/Craft-Beer-andPoetry-Slam-at-Wine-Fest.

Yoga Nidra Workshop – 7:45-9pm. 2nd Fri. Allow Shira’s soothing voice to support you in cultivating ease, healing, and well-being with a meditation practice that requires no effort or

I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 4-5pm. See Tuesday for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure.ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE CITY ACUPUNCTURE CIRCLE

1221 Connecticut Ave, Ste 5B, NW, DC 202-300-8428 • CityAcupunctureCircle.com Safe, affordable acupuncture care. Pay what you can, $20-$50 per treatment. Join the Community Acupuncture movement.

HEALEN ARTS ACUPUNCTURE WELLNESS STUDIO Akmal Muwwakkil, PhD, LA.c, LMT 12911 Woodmore Rd., Mitchellville, MD 301-249-2445 • HealenArts.net

We provide acupuncture, Tui Na, healthy lifestyle changes, weight loss, holistic diabetes care, pain reduction, detoxification to increase life and longevity. See ad, page 10.

OURSPACE ACUPUNCTURE

809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD 301-388-8085 • OurSpaceAcupuncture.org Natural, affordable, safe, holistic health care in a comfortable community setting. We ask for $15-$40 per session. Schedule your appointment online today. W .

ACUPRESSURE

AWAKEN MY HEART NOW Silver Spring, MD 240-839-1661 AwakenMyHeartNow.com

Compassionate, supportive and skilled, Shira combines acupressure and yogic meditation in individual/group sessions to cultivate a whole-being path to healing and growth.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NOVA CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

4635 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 100, McLean, VA 703-229-3106 NOVAAlternativeMed.com

Our holistic approach gets to the nexus of your pain and treats your pain’s cause, not just your symptoms. Dr Sanford’s approach and treatment will greatly improve your quality of life. Specializing i n P e r i p h e r a l N e u r o p a t h y, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapy and Functional Medicine. See ad, page 16.

BEEKEEPING AZURE B LLC

BOTANICAL GARDENS MEADOWLARK BOTANICAL GARDENS 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 703-255-3631 KTomlinson@Nvrpa.org • Nvrpa.org

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a public garden for all the senses, a place of peace and reflection. Near Wolf Trap in Vienna.

CHIROPRACTOR MELISSA WINDSOR, DC, CHC

Chiropractor and Certified Holistic Health Coach Restorative Health 202-244-6661 RestorativeHealth.org Dr. Windsor is a Chiropractor and Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. She is an expert in using both chiropractic and nutrition in healing the body and balancing the immune system both for general wellness and in the face of specific disease states. See ad, page 39.

CLEANING

4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD 301-743-2331 • AzureBLLC.com Azure B LLC is a small, familyrun permaculture farm in Southern Maryland. We offer beekeeping education, locally made equipment and support.

BEDROOM FURNITURE SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com

Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer, and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 33.

BEHAVIORAL CHANGE MID LIFE REFOCUS

3914 Centreville Rd, Chantilly, VA 571-277-1292 Info@MidLifeRefocus.com MidLifeRefocus.com

MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

4813-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 800-515-6243 Marketing@Maid-Brigade.com MaidBrigade.com

We are Green Clean Certified so you can have peace of mind that your home will be healthier for you, your pets, and the environment. See ad, page 9.

CLOTHING SHINING SHAKTI

3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA Info@ShiningShakti.com ShiningShakti.com Shining Shakti creates organic and earth friendly hand dyed yoga clothes. Visit us at ShiningShakti. com for both retail and wholesale orders. How Do You Shine? See ad, page 31.

Positive Behavioral Change consultant. Increase Self awareness for lasting change to heal the mind, body and soul. Fitness, educational consultant and hypnotist. See ad, page 44.

natural awakenings

September 2014

DENTIST

CONCIERGE MUSE CONCIERGE, LLC

PO Box 212, Washington Grove, MD 301-337-0988 Michele.Muise@gmail.com Muse-Concierge.com

Services that give people time for more important things in their lives. The services offered are property care including “green” cleaning, errands, in home/office food services, elder care and training. All services have sustainability in mind and use only natural, no chemical and organic options. See ad, page 29.

CONSULTING GRACE PRODUCTIONS

Grace Ogden, Principal 301-445-6771 • GraceProductions.co Grace Ogden leads this consulting and event production firm that supports progressive social change with an awareness of why spiritual principles and practices matter. See ad, page 31.

LYNN D. LOCKLEAR, DDS, LVIF 437 Cedar Street, NW, DC 202-829-7600

Dr. Lynn Locklear has helped many patients to get their “bite back” non-surgically after a diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction. An International Associate of Dentists, Top in Washinton, D.C. in 2012. See ad, page 5.

ENERGY HEALING CRYSTALIS

306 Elden St, Herdon, VA 703-689-0114 Info@Crystalis.com • Crystalis.com Enjoy the healing environment of our store which offers a variety of high energy stones, incense, books, meditation supplies and much more.

ENERGETIC WELL BEING

COUNSELING MARY KENDELL, MS, NP

LeRoy Malouf, Owner 625 Willow Street, West Barnstable, MA 508-375-6452 • info@EWBP.com EWBP.com

Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com • SexMatters2Me@gmail.com

Removing root causes of symptoms and creating strong internal support for desired state of being– what you want in life–with full confidence and self-reliance.

Evaluation, treatment, counseling, and education for all sexual health concerns. See ad, page 2.

HEALING GATEWAY 877-534-5534 HealingGateway.com

NATALIE X. KORYTNYK, PHD

Individual & Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com With over 20 years of experience, D r. N a t a l i e K o r y t n y k i s a psychologist with an expertise in relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, work stress, eating disorders and self-esteem. See ad, page 2.

Sherry Lynn Dmytrewycz invites you to enter into a healthier, unlimited life with an energy clearing for you, your space or your animals. Handson or distance sessions. See ad, page 25.

MIRIAM HUNTER & GINA MAYBURY 8996 Burke Lake Rd, Ste L101, Burke, VA Miriam Hunter 202-361-7321 MiriamHunter@verizon.net Gina Maybury 703-629-0925 GinaMaybury@gmail.com MiriamHunter.com

Sessions and workshops in Quantum-Touch, Access Consciousness, Angel Card reading, Crystal Healing, Sound Healing, Metamorphosis and more. See ad, page 10.

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

FITNESS ELEMENTS FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER

2233 Wisconsin, Ste 217, DC 20007 202-333-5252 • ElementsCenter.com Offering Pilates, GYROTONIC® Exercise, physical therapy, massage and more for clients of all ages. Experience the joy of moving and breathing freely at Elements Center.

HEALTHY PETS THE BIG BAD WOOF

5501 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 117 Carroll St NW, Old Takoma, DC 301-403-8957 • TheBigBadWoof.com The Big Bad Woof is a community resource for companion animals and their guardians. We are committed to providing nutritious foods for companion animals whether they are dogs, cats, small mammals, birds or fish. We provide access to organic, holistic and premium raw diets and a wide range of alternatives including holistic supplements for companion animals. See ad, page 41.

HOWL TO THE CHIEF

733 8th St SE, DC 202-544-8710 • HowlToTheChief.com We carry a large assortment of natural, holistic, raw and organic diets for dogs, cats and small animals. Grooming and selfserve dog wash service too!

HERBS GREEN COMFORT SCHOOL OF HERBAL MEDICINE 540-937-4283 Green.Comfort@gmail.com

Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine offers a variety of learning opportunities for the beginning and more advanced student of holistic life practices. See ad, page 45.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY TERRY VICTOR, DDS

The DC Dentist 509 11th St, SE, DC 202-544-3626 • TheDCDentist.com Staff@TheDCDentist.com Dr.Victor provides exceptional holistic and biological dentistry. The DC Dentist is the first ecofriendly and completely sustainable dental office in the DC area. See ad, page 3.

HOLISTIC HEALING HAMBROCK HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER

297 Herndon Pkwy, Ste 105, Herndon, VA 571-331-9208 HambrockHolistic@gmail.com HambrockHolisticCenter.com

Complementary and Alternative therapists in collaboration providing, Hypnotherapy of all k i n d s , M a s s a g e T h e r a p y, CranioSacral therapy, Energy Work, Crystal Therapy, Life Coaching, MindBody Business Coaching and classes. See ad, page 41.

RECONNECTIVE HEALING

Joan Fowler 301-452-3305 Joan@Dove333.com • Dove333.com Reconnective Healing, a new level of healing that scientists and researchers know we now have access to. It goes beyond energy healing spectrum into a new bandwidth of light and information. See ad, page 36.

HOLISTIC PROMOTIONS EARTHLIGHT PROMOTIONS 703-401-9663 BeverlyNickerson@comcast.net EarthLightPromotions.com

Bringing back the indigenous wisdom to our modern world. Organizing sacred retreat, reconnect with nature and sacred sites travel. Promoting holistic healers, traditional ancient medicine and wellness workshops.

HOME ENVIRONMENT MIKHAIL SOGONOV, PH.D.

InSitu EcoTesting LLC GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Sogonov@InSitu-ET.com Consulting company inspecting indoor environment for biological agents negatively affecting human health. Mainly focused on mold, also includes sewage contamination and pet and pest allergens. See ad, page 2.

RECONNECTIVE HEALING Debbie Spinelli 305-992-5733 Debbie333Spinelli@gmail.com

Reconnective Healing is a form of holistic healing; leading clients to a deeply transformational path that allows for healing on all levels; physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. As a practitioner and healer since 2011, Spinelli has trained with Dr. Eric Pearl, the founder of Reconnective Healing. See ad, page 36.

RISING PHOENIX HOLISTIC CENTER, LLC

9028 D Prince William St, Manassas, VA 703-392-9200 RisingPhoenixHC@gmail.com RisingPhoenixHC.com A team of healers and teachers offering classes, workshops and energy healing services to inspire health and well-being. Also a metaphysical gift and bookstore. See ad, page 39.

HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK ARLINGTON/ALEXANDRIA CHAPTER 571-451-8273 HolisticMomsArlAlex@gmail.com HolisticMomsArlAlex.blogspot.com

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE ALI SAFAYAN, MD

Integrative Physician and Medical Acupuncturist Restorative Health 202-244-6661 • RestorativeHealth.org Dr. Safayan views himself as a partner and educator, offering medical assessment and treatment plans that combine the best of conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. He offers medical acupuncture, p r o l o t h e r a p y, a n d a l l e r g y elimination techniques

ANGELA GABRIEL, MSOM, LAC, CH GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com

Classical Chinese medicine, Japanese-style acupuncture, pain and stress management, chronic issues, family care, women’s health, pregnancy, children, Kiiko Matsumoto-style acupuncture, moxibustion, integrative medicine. See ad, page 2.

CHAS GANT, MD, PHD

National Integrative Health Associates 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW, DC 202-237-7000 ext 104 CEGant2@gmail.com • DrChasMD.com Dr. Gant, an internationally known author and integrative/functional medicine physician, addresses the root causes of chronic medical and psychiatric disorders, unique to each patient in all age ranges. See ad, page 8.

GW CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 908 New Hampshire Ave, NW, DC 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

A clinic that effectively combines use of traditional and conventional evidencebased medical practices through a variety of complementary and alternative therapies and has many years of close collaboration with George Washington University Medical Center and a variety of physicians in most subspecialties. See ad, page 2.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC 1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, DC 202-298-9131 IndigoHealthClinic.com

The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 5.

MIKHAIL KOGAN, MD

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

Dr. Kogan is Medical Director of GW Center for Integrative Medicine where he provides integrative consultations and primary care. In addition, he does geriatric consultations at GW University Hospital and makes home visits to frail patients. See ad, page 2.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 ext 118 NIHADC.com

Leaders in Integrative Medicine and Biological Dentistry At National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA, our team of Integrative doctors blends the best of western medicine and safe, proven complementary and alternative therapies to help the body heal. See ad, page 8.

A nonprofit resource for parents seeking support in their natural lifestyle choices. All chapters hold monthly meetings and most offer supplemental activities.

natural awakenings

September 2014

VIVA IMED

8303 Arlington Blvd, Ste 206, Fairfax, VA 703-207-4646 • VivaiMed.com At VIVA iMED Center where you are a Very Important Patient, we work with you as a partner, listening to your needs, addressing the whole person including your medical issues and optimizing all aspects of your health and wellness. See ad, page 37.

LIFE COACH LIFE DANCE COACHING

MEAL DELIVERY POWER SUPPLY DC MyPowerSupply.com

Power Supply provides fresh, tasty, all-natural meal plans including vegetarian and grain-free choices. No gluten or dairy either. Order online one-time or recurring, pickup at 80+ DMV locations, heat & enjoy. Use “NATURAL” gift card to save $10 on 1st order. Natural Awakenings readers can save $10 off of their first order by visiting MyPowerSupply.com/Natural. See ad, page 14.

410-736-9311 LifeDanceMe@gmail.com • LifeDance.me Michelle Dubreuil Macek offers a wholehearted, mindful, life coaching approach to guide you towards breaking down limiting thoughts and creating space for joy, love and peace in your life.

MEDITATION HUGH BYRNE, PHD Hugh-Byrne.com

Mindfulness-based counseling and meditation instruction. Dr. Byrne teaches classes, retreats, and workshops on Buddhism and meditation in the Washington, D.C. area and nationwide and provides individual counseling.

MARTIAL ARTS DANCING IN SILENCE, INC. 301-466-5894 Info@DancingInSilence.com

Evening classes in Taiji, Qigong, Hip Tinh Mon. All Classes at UPCOB, 4413 Tuckerman St, University Park, MD, 20784. Free Saturday Taji. See ad, page 10.

MASSAGE AT EASE: TRAGER AND MASSAGE Lisa Bregman 202-686-7202 LisaBregman@yahoo.com

Deep bodywork that uses rhythmic, wavelike movement to ease pain, joint and muscle tension, and release long-held uncomfortable movement and postural patterns. See ad, page 2.

ROCKVILLE MEDITATION

11601 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 301-770-7778 RockvilleMeditation@gmail.com RockvilleMeditation.org The Rockville Meditation center offers unlimited guided meditation s e s s i o n s d a i l y. T h e meditation focuses on a method of subtraction. This logical and revolutionary method is about removing the problem of emotional pain and discomfort completely. There is also an END to the meditation. The method reaches to 340 centers worldwide and is causing a sensation in different corners of the world. Make an appointment for your free consultation today. See ad, page 13.

NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE

BIOGEOGENETICS

Whether you are looking for a new career, interested in continuing your education to expand your knowledge as a massage therapist, or drawn to take an introductory class on massage and bodywork for yourself, family and friends–come join the circle at PMTI. Classes and workshops available, as well as massages. See ad, page 43.

Advanced, potent, fastacting all-natural trace mineral/cell salt blends that provide cellular nutrition which improve the musculoskeletal (Pain Away), optical (Clearer Eyes), respiratory systems (Celox). See ad, page 14.

5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW PMTI.org

Washington, D.C.

1937 Shipyard Rd, Chesapeake, VA 888-448-8376 BioGeoGenetics@gmail.com WhatisBiogeogenetics.com

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS KAREN THRELKEL, ND

Naturopathic Medicine Restorative Health 202-244-6661 • RestorativeHealth.org Dr. Threlkel provides her patients with a full range of naturopathic medical services, including naturopathic medical assessment, specialty laboratory testing, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, detoxification, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine.

MARIANNA LEDENAC, ND

Adult & Pediatric Naturopathic Medicine GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Dr. Ledenac is a Naturopathic Physician in family medicine caring for adults and children. She has a special focus in weight management (body composition improvement), nutritional assessments, pediatrics, and women’s health including fertility care. See ad, page 2.

NUTRITION 2 NOURISH, NUTRITION & WELLNESS Marietta Amatangelo, Director 877-428-0555 Info@2Nourish.com • 2Nourish.com

A trusted nutritionist and wellness coach in the tri-metro area, with functional nutrition expertise in digestive and detox, wellness, MTHFR, cancer and chronic conditions.

RAW LIVING D-LIGHT

571-471-2891 • Luzy@RawLivingDLight RawLivingDLight.com Alkaline foods to restore your health and nourish your body. Microgreens and sprouts, foods for superior health. Classes, workshops and private consultation. Available for lectures and home growing consultations. See ad, page 39.

ROBERTA’S NATURAL FOODS 9424 Main St, Fairfax, VA

703-591-1121 RobertasNaturalFoods@gmail.com RobertasnNaturalFoods.com A new health food store featuring cutting edge vitamins and supplements. We f o c u s o n l o c a l , organic, vegan, paleo, and gluten free groceries. Individualized care always given. See ad, page 29.

NUTRITION EDUCATION JULIE WENDT

JWendt@GWCIM.com GWCIM.com

My work as a Nutrition Educator is focused on working in partnership with individuals who want or need to implement changes to their diet and lifestyle in order to achieve optimal health See ad, page 2.

KRISTA NOELLE

302-897-2407 Krista@KristaNoelle.com • KristaNoelle.com Krista combines her knowledge of physiology, medicinal herbs, foodas-medicine and the mind/body connection to evoke positive and lasting change with each individual client. She currently sees clients in the Baltimore and Washington area.

ORGANIC FOOD & GROCERS DAWSON’S MARKET

225 N Washington St, Rockville, MD 240-428-1386 DawsonsMarket.com

We’re Dawson Market, a locally focused, independent, natural foods market located in the heart of Rockville, Maryland in Rockville Town Square. At Dawson’s, we’re a tight knit community of food lovers that all work for the same mission: To be the heart and soul of our community through a strong commitment to local and organic foods. See ad, page 22.

MRS. GREEN’S NATURAL MARKET 12995 Fairlakes Shopping Center, Fairfax 571-316-1048 MrsGreens.com/Locations/Fairfax/

Mrs. Green’s Natural Market is a neighborhood store, passionately committed to clean, natural foods. Dedicated to health and sustainability. Devoted to customers who care deeply about the foods they eat.

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS HERBAN LIFESTYLE HerbanLifestyle.com

Making the world a happier, healthier, better-smelling place by handcrafting herbal bath and body products using organic, natural and Fair Trade ingredients in earthfriendly packaging. See ad, page 37.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

THERAPEUTIC YOGA LINDA LANG

BIODANZA EAST COAST USA

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • TherapeuticYogaDC.com

BiodanzaEastCoast@gmail.com 410-736-9311 • Biodanza-usa.com

Join us for personal development through a fusion of authentic movement, awesome music, and heartfelt emotions. A safe space for you to feel and dance organically all of the untapped potential within you.

REIKI LUANN JACOBS, SLP/RMT

A highly experienced practitioner, certified in the medical, therapeutic arena of Cardiac Yoga. Specializing in chronic conditions and degenerative disease. Therapeutic yoga for special conditions and m e d i t a t i o n a r e o ff e r e d b y appointment with GW Center for Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 2.

THERMOGRAPHY

Reiki-Biofeedback Practitioner GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Luann provides treatments and trainings in the use of Reiki handson and biofeedback for self-care, and Reiki care of others. See ad, page 2

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING DOUGLAS KINNEY

DougKinney@msn.com 301-236-9040 • DouglasKinney.com Gain insight on your life issues from counseling session with spiritual practitioner, spiritual and scientific r e s e a r c h e r, a n d c e r t i f i e d hypnotherapist. Variety of processes available: mapping parental gifts and harms, learning about your special talents, hypnosis, and guided imagery. See ad, page 26.

CREATIVE HOLISTIC INTEGRATION (CHI)

Suchinta Abhayaratna, Th.D.

571-422-6734 chisuchinta@yahoo.com • chisuchinta.com Suchinta is a Transpersonal/ Transformational Psychologist, self-care coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, Mandala healing arts facilitator, Family/ Systemic Constellations facilitator Reiki Master and teacher. CHI is a multi-modal educational approach to holistic self-care, healing and transformation that combines ancient knowledge, science and spirituality. See ad, page 29.

SPIRITUAL LIVING UNITY OF FAIRFAX

2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 703-281-1767 • Admin@UnityOfFairfax.org UnityOfFairfax.org

FAMILY HEALTH THERMAL IMAGING & DETOX 427A Carlisle Dr, Herndon, VA 703-635-6324 Sherri@FamilyHealthti.com FamilyHealthti.com

Digital infrared thermal imaging, thermography is a totally non-invasive clinical imaging procedure for detecting and monitoring a number of diseases and physical injuries, by showing the thermal abnormalities present in the body. It is used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as monitoring therapy progress, for conditions and injuries. Non Invasive. No Radiation. Painless. Affordable. F.D.A. approved. See ad, page 25.

WELLNESS iEMBRACE WELLNESS

Centreville, VA 571-232-9979 Office@iEmbraceWellness.com iEmbraceWellness.com Accunect™ and BodyTalk™ are used to restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself at the mind, body and spirit levels, by clearing the underlying sources of stress that interfere with this natural healing process. Selfcare workshops are offered to educate and empower individuals in their own healthcare. See ad, page 44.

ZERO BALANCING LISA SCHUMACHER

4000 Albemarle St, NW Ste 202 202-244-9588 Lisa@Balancentering.com Helping others find natural ways to gain optimum health through Zero Balancing, Massage, Energy Therapy and Herbal Support. See ad, page 36.

At Unity of Fairfax, we offer a welcoming, safe environment to explore one’s own relationship with God in a community of like-minded individuals.

natural awakenings

September 2014

YOGA BUDDHA B YOGA

1115 U St NW, DC, Ste 202 202-588-5885 • BuddhaBYoga.com Experience a place of refuge and a spiritual center where all are welcome! A Vegan Vinyasa yoga studio and JivaMukti™ Yoga Center Affiliate. Open 7 days a week and offering over 55 classes a week, including 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training. See ad, page 45.

EAST MEETS WEST YOGA

  

 

8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA 703-356-9642 Dawn@EastMeetsWestCenter.com EastMeetsWestCenter.com

At East Meets West Yoga Center, we provide a safe, tranquil, and supportive environment to practice yoga and meditation, allowing individuals to open to the possibilities of what could be. We are a community of knowledgeable, dedicated yoga teachers where a variety of yoga styles flourish. See ad, page 30.

  

LIL OMM YOGA

4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, DC 20016 202-248-6304 A friendly, community yoga center welcoming all ages and stages of life. Offering open and honest teaching regarding yoga, well-being, family and spirituality.

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    •  •  •  

RADIANT CHILD YOGA



1-888-561-2126 Info@ChildrensYoga.com ChildrensYoga.com

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Learn To Teach Children Yoga! Events, trainings, retreats, and other resources available for Radiant Child Yoga, Yoga for ADHD/ Autism, Kundalini Yoga, and more.

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  

SPARK YOGA



2201 N Pershing Dr, Ste G Arlington, VA 703-248-9642 • Info@SparkYoga.com SparkYoga.com

    

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Maintain healthy body and mind through Aerial Yoga, Ashtanga, Barre, Hot Yoga, and Pilates. All studios are designed to be energy efficient and sustainable. See ad, page 38.

  

Y’S ELEMENTS

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202-246-9592 YaelFlusberg@gmail.com • YaelFlusberg.com Experienced yoga therapist/coach available for group and individual sessions drawing from a deep well of creative, somatic and reflective methods to help you flourish. See ad, page 2.

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

     

natural awakenings

September 2014

Degrees with Meaning for Careers with Purpose Health & Wellness Coaching Graduate Programs Enrolling for January and April 2015 Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only accredited graduate schools with an academic and clinical focus on health and wellness. Here, the ability to be self-reflective and cultivate a healing presence is as critical to your academic success as competence in your chosen field. MUIH also offers graduate programs in: Health Promotion | Nutrition and Integrative Health Herbal Medicine | Yoga Therapy | Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 60

Washington, D.C.

Online, on campus, and weekend options available

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

No GREs required muih.edu 800-735-2968